Nnrtlf  (Earoltna  g'tatf 
Initirraitg 


JiV 


This  book  was  presented  by 

Bernard  S.  Martof 

D8 


S00564875  Z 


BERNARD  MARTOF 


THIS  BOOK  IS  DUE  ON  THE  DATE 
INDICATED  BELOW  AND  IS  SUB- 
JECT TO  AN  OVERDUE  FINE  AS 
POSTED  AT  THE  CIRCULATION 
DESK. 


mi  1  2  1975 

FEB  28  1977 
JU^f  29  1977 

DEC     5  1979 


HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 


HOW 
TO   KNOW  THE    MOSSES 

A  POPULAR   GUIDE   TO   THE   MOSSES 

OF  THE 
NORTHEASTERN   UNITED    STATES 

Containing  keys  to  eighty  genera 

and  short  descriptions  of  over  one  hundred  and 

Jifty  species  with  special  reference   to   tJie 

disti}2gnishing  characteristics  tJiat  are 

apparent  zvithout  tJie  aid  of  a  le?is 

BY 

ELIZABETH    MARIE    DUNHAM 

MEMBER   OF  THE   SULLIVANT   MOSS   SOCIETY 


With  Illustrations  by 
the  Author 


BOSTON    AND    NEW  YORK 
HOUGHTON    MIFFLIN    COMPANY 


COPYRIGHT,    I916,   BY   ELIZABETH   MARIE   DUNHAM 

ALL  RIGHTS  RESERVED  INCLUDING  THE  RIGHT  TO  REPRODUCE 
THIS  BOOK  OR  PARTS  THEREOF  IN  ANY  FORM 


Published  May  iqib 


TO 
MY    HUSBAND 


Meek  creatures!  the  first  mercy  of  the  earth,  veiling  with 
hushed  softness  the  dintlcss  rocks;  creatures  full  of  pity,  cover- 
ing with  strange  and  tender  honor  the  scarred  disgrace  of  ruin, 
—  laying  quiet  fingers  on  the  trembling  stones  to  teach  them 
rest.  ...  No  words  that  I  know  of  will  say  what  these  mosses 
are.  None  are  dehcate  enough,  none  perfect  enough,  none  rich 
enough.  How  is  one  to  tell  of  rounded  bosses  of  furred  and  beam- 
ing green,  —  the  starred  divisions  of  rubied  bloom,  fine  filmed 
as  if  the  Rock  Spirits  could  spin  porphyry  as  we  do  glass, —  the 
tracery  of  intricate  silver,  and  fringes  of  amber,  lustrous,  ar- 
borescent, burnished  through  every  fiber  into  fitful  brightness 
and  glossy  traverses  of  silken  change,  yet  all  subdued  and  pen- 
sive, and  framed  for  simplest,  sweetest  offices  of  grace.  They 
will  not  be  gathered,  like  the  flowers,  for  chaplet  or  love-token, 
but  of  these  the  wild  bird  will  make  its  nest,  and  the  wearied 
child  his  pillow. 

John  Ruskin,  Modern  Painters, 


PREFACE 

The  object  of  this  book  is  to  present  mosses  in  a 
simple,  non-technical  way,  so  that  the  student  may 
recognize  at  least  their  genera  and  in  some  cases  their 
species  without  depending  upon  the  use  of  a  lens.  The 
books  on  mosses  that  have  been  published  up  to  the 
present  time  have  required  the  use  of  a  hand-lens  or 
microscope  in  order  to  follow  either  the  Keys  or  the 
descriptions.  Wonderful  and  interesting  detail  in 
structure  is  revealed  by  this  higher  method  of  study, 
but  mosses  would  remain  unknown  to  many  if  no 
simpler  and  quicker  way  of  learning  them  was  pre- 
sented. 

When  urged  to  undertake  the  work  of  thus  simplify- 
ing the  study  of  mosses,  the  author,  together  with  most 
moss  students,  held  the  idea  that  microscopic  examina- 
tion was  necessary  in  order  to  know  mosses.  It  was 
pointed  out  that,  while  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the 
different  species  must  be  obtained  from  microscopic 
study  and  technical  books,  the  people  who  are  content 
to  recognize  violets,  asters,  and  goldenrods,  without 
knowing  the  specific  names,  would  be  equally  inter- 
ested to  know  the  generic  names  of  mosses.  A  Key  only 
to  the  genera  of  mosses,  therefore,  seemed  perfectly 
feasible,  as  in  nearly  every  case  there  is  some  family  or 


X  PREFACE 

generic  character  that  is  recognizable  in  the  field  with- 
out the  aid  of  a  lens.  In  the  descriptions  of  a  few  gen- 
era some  additional  characteristics  visible  with  a  hand- 
lens  are  given.  These  are  not  necessar}^  for  the  use  of 
the  Keys,  but  are  of  interest  in  bringing  out  some 
special  points. 

In  arranging  the  Keys  it  seemed  best  not  to  carry 
them  out  under  many  headings  to  a  single  genus,  but 
to  keep  them  as  simple  as  possible  and  group  even 
several  genera  under  one  head.  This  plan  requires  the 
student  to  refer  constantly  to  the  illustrations  and 
descriptions  and  in  this  way  to  become  familiar  with 
the  names  and  appearances  of  the  different  mosses. 

The  Keys  have  been  tested  satisfactorily  by  several 
people.  When  they  did  not  work  out  correctly,  it  was 
usually  found  that  the  trouble  lay  in  failure  either  to 
read  the  explanatory  chapters,  to  follow  the  Keys  care- 
fully, or  to  study  the  descriptions  thoroughly. 

The  mosses  included  in  the  Keys  are  those  that  are 
commonly  or  occasionally  collected  in  the  northeastern 
part  of  the  United  States.  But  the  Keys  really  cover  a 
much  larger  field,  many  of  the  mosses  being  widely 
distributed,  as  will  be  seen  by  reading  the  range  given 
with  each  genus  or  species. 

Four  full  pages  of  illustrations  of  terms  used  in  de- 
scribing mosses  accompany  the  chapters  on  ''Habit 
and  Manner  of  Growth,"  "Leaves,"  and  ''Capsules." 
Other  illustrations  occurring  throughout  the  text,  with 
the  exception  of  a  few  in  the  Introduction,  are  drawn 


PREFACE  xi 

natural  size  with  an  occasional  enlarged  plant,  leaf, 
or  capsule.  Average  specimens  were  selected  for  the 
illustrations,  but  allowances  must  be  made  for  varia- 
tions in  size  and  branching. 

The  nomenclature  given  is  that  used  by  Dr.  Bro- 
therus  in  Engler  and  Prantl's  Die  Natiirlichen 
Pflanzenfamilien,  Teil  i,  Abteilung  iii.  As  the  Latin 
name  of  mosses  in  some  cases  is  still  a  matter  of  dis- 
pute, synonyms  are  given  in  italics  where  the  name 
has  recently  been  changed.  English  names  are  usually 
lacking,  but  in  most  cases  the  Latin  names  are  no 
longer  than  geranium  or  rhododendron,  and  when 
one  becomes  familiar  with  them  they  will  seem  no 
harder.  The  generic  and  specific  names  have  been 
accented  and  the  former  divided  into  syllables.  The 
grave  accent  C)  indicates  the  long  English  sound  of 
the  vowel,  the  acute  accent  (0  shows  the  shortened 
sound.  It  is  the  custom  in  EngHsh-speaking  countries 
to  pronounce  the  botanical  names  according  to  the 
EngKsh  method  of  pronouncing  Latin. 

In  the  preparation  of  this  book,  the  following  books 
have  been  used  for  reference :  Mosses  with  a  Hand-Lens 
and  Microscope,  A.  J.  Grout;  Mosses  of  Western  Penn- 
sylvania,  0.  E.  Jennings;  The  Bryophytes  of  Connecticut, 
Evans  and  Nichols;  Handbook  of  British  Mosses, 
Dixon  and  Jameson;  British  Moss  Flora,  Braithwaite; 
and  various  other  sources  for  derivations  of  generic 
names  and  explanation  of  abbreviations  of  author's 
names  not  found  in  the  books  mentioned. 


xii  PREFACE 

I  wish  to  take  this  opportunity  to  express  my  appre- 
ciation to  the  many  friends  who  have  assisted  in  the 
preparation  of  this  book.  Grateful  acknowledgment  is 
due  to  Mr.  Hey  ward  Scudder  for  the  suggestion  of 
making  a  Key  to  the  genera  of  mosses  to  be  used  with- 
out a  lens,  for  testing  the  Keys,  for  much  advice  in 
writing  the  preliminary  chapters,  for  reading  and  cor- 
recting the  manuscript,  and  for  many  valuable  sugges- 
tions. Mrs.  Frank  E.  Lowe,  Mr.  H.  Donald  Kemp, 
and  my  sister,  Miss  Ethel  A.  Pennell,  have  read  the 
preliminary  chapters,  tested  the  Keys,  and  given  help- 
ful advice.  I  am  indebted  to  Mrs.  Lowe  for  collecting 
fresh  mosses  for  study  and  comparison.  Among  others 
who  have  also  patiently  tried  the  Keys  are  Miss 
Georgia  H.  Emery,  Miss  Jane  M.  Furber,  Miss  Marie 
R.  Felix,  Miss  Elizabeth  A.  Dike,  Mrs.  Frank  C. 
Smith,  Mrs.  John  L.  Wright,  and  Miss  Margaret 
Kemp.  I  am  indebted  to  Mrs.  Elizabeth  G.  Britton 
and  Mr.  Edward  B.  Chamberlain  for  answering  many 
questions  regarding  nomenclature,  authorities,  and 
synonyms.  Dr.  A.  J.  Grout  kindly  gave  me  the  deri- 
vation of  Cirriphyllum  and  Miss  Furber  and  Mr. 
Chamberlain  assisted  in  looking  up  some  of  the  other 
derivations.  I  am  indebted  to  my  husband,  Mr. 
Horace  C.  Dunham,  for  helpful  suggestions  in  drawing 
the  illustrations. 

While  recognizing  its  limitations  and  imperfections, 
I  trust  the  book  will  accomplish  much  toward  introduc- 
ing the  mosses  to  those  who  have  not  known  them,  and 


PREFACE  xlli 

in  this  way  partly  repay  Mr.  Charles  J.  Maynard  and 
Mr.  Walter  Gerritson  for  their  kind  instruction  when 
I  began  to  study  mosses,  and  all  other  friends  for 
their  assistance,  interest,  and  encouragement  while 
the  work  was  in  progress. 


CONTENTS 

ABBREVIATIONS  OF  NA]\IES  OF  AUTHORS     .      .        xxiii 

INTRODUCTION i 

HABIT  AND  MANNER  OF   GROWTH 12 

LEAVES 15 

CAPSULES 20 

THE  KEYS  EXPLAINED 23 

HOW  TO  USE  THE  KEYS 26 

HELPFUL  SUGGESTIONS 32 

KEY   TO    DISTINGUISH    MOSSES     FROM     COMIMON 

HEPATICS  AND  LICHENS 39 

LEAF  KEY  TO  GENERA         41 

CAPSULE  KEY  TO  GENERA 53 

LIST  OF  GENERA 70 

Class  BRYOPHYTES  —  Sub-Class  MUSCI 
Order  I.  SPHAGNALES 

Family  SPHAGNACEAE 73 

Order  IL  ANDREAEALES 

Family  ANDREAEACEAE 75 

Order  III.  BRYALES 
ACROCARPI 

Family  DICRANACEAE 77 

Family  LEUCOBRYACEAE 95 

Family  FISSIDENTACEAE 97 


xvi  CONTENTS 

Family  POTTIACEAE loo 

Family  GRIMMIACEAE iii 

Family  ORTHOTRICHACEAE ii6 

Family  FUNARIACEAE 122 

Family  BRYACEAE 126 

Family  MNIACEAE 134 

Family  AULACOMNIACEAE 139 

Family  BARTRAMIACEAE 143 

Family  TIMMIACEAE 148 

Family  WEBERACEAE 150 

Family  BUXBAUMIACEAE 152 

Family  GEORGIACEAE 154 

Family  POLYTRICHACEAE 156 

PLEUROCARPI 

Family  HEDWIGIACEAE 172 

Family  FONTINALACEAE 175 

Family  CLIMACIACEAE 179 

Family  LEUCODONTACEAE 182 

Family  NECKERACEAE 185 

Family  ENTODONTACEAE 189 

Family  LESKEACEAE 195 

Family  HYPNACEAE 208 

Family  BRACHYTHECIACEAE 243 

APPENDIX 
Helps  to  Identification  of  the  Most  Common  and  Con- 
spicuous Mosses 261 

GLOSSARY 269 

INDEX .275 


ILLUSTRATIONS 

PLATES 

Plate      I.  Illustrations  of  Terms       ....    facing  12 

Plate     II.  Illustrations  of  Terms       ....    facing  14 

Plate    III.  Illustrations  of  Terms       ....    facing  18 

Plate    IV.  Illustrations  of  Terms       ....    facing  22 

Plate      V.  Dicranum facing  88 

Plate    VI.  Mnium            facing  134 

Plate  VII.  Polytrichum facing  162 

FIGURES   IN   THE  TEXT 

Reindeer  Moss  (Cladonia  rangiferina) 4 

Red-tipped  Moss  (Cladonia  cristatella) 4 

Beard  Moss  (Usnea  barbata) 4 

Lycopodium  lucidulum 5 

Lycopodium  obscurum 5 

Long  Moss  (Tillandsia) 6 

Flowering  Moss  (Pyxidanthera) 6 

Liverwort  (Marchantia) 7 

Scale  Moss  (Bazzania) 7 

Ceratodon  purpureus 26 

Sphagnum  cymbifolium 73 

Andreaea  petrophlla 75 

Trematodon  ambiguus 77 

Ditrichum  tortile 79 

Ditrichum  pallidum 80 


xviii  ILLUSTRATIONS 

Saelania  glaucescens 8i 

Ceratodon  purpureus 82 

DlSTICHlUM   CAPILLACEUM 84 

Dicranella  heteromalla 8.5 

Oncophorus  Wahlenbergii 86 

Leucobryum  glaucum 95 

FlSSmENS   ADIANTOIDES 97 

Weisia  viridula 100 

Hymenostylium  CURVIROSTRE lOI 

tortella  tortuosa io3 

tortella  caespitosa i03 

didymodon  rubellus .  i04 

Barbula  unguiculata 105 

pottia  truncatula i06 

tortula  muralis i08 

tortula  papillosa i08 

Encalypta  ciliata 109 

GRIMMIA   APOCARPA 112 

Rhacomitrium  aciculare 114 

Drummondia  clavellata 116 

Orthotrichum  sordidum 118 

Orthotrichum  anomalum 118 

Orthotrichum  Braunii ii8 

Ulota  ulophylla 120 

PhYSCOMITRIUM   TURBINATUM 122 

FUNARIA  HYGROMETRICA 1 24 

Leptobryum  pyreforme 126 

Pohlia  nutans 128 

Bryum  caespiticium 129 


ILLUSTRATIONS  xix 

Bryum  argenteum 130 

Rhodobryum  ontariense 132 

aulacomnium  heterosticiium i40 

aulacomnium  palustre 141 

Plagiopus  Oederi 143 

Bartramia  pomiformis 144 

Philonotis  fontana 146 

TiMMIA  CUCULLATA I48 

Webera  sessilis 150 

Buxbaumia  apiiylla 152 

Georgia  pellucida 154 

Catharinaea  undulata 157 

Catharinaea  angustata 158 

POGONATUM   BREVICAULE l6l 

Pogonatum  capillare 162 

Hedwigia  albicans 173 

FONTINALIS   antipyretic  A  VAR.    GIGANTEA 1 75 

Fontinalis  novae-angliae 175 

DiCHELYMA   CAPILLACEUM I77 

Climacium  dendroides 179 

Leucodon  julaceus 183 

Leucodon  brachypus       183 

Neckera  pennata      185 

Homalia  Jamesii 186 

Thamnium  alleghaniense 188 

Entodon  cladorrhizans 190 

Entodon  seductrix 190 

Platygyrium  repens 192 

Pylaisia  Sciiimperi 193 


XX  ILLUSTRATIONS 

Thelia  HIRTELLA IQS 

Myurella  gracilis 197 

Anomodon  rostratus 199 

Anomodon  minor 199 

Anomodon  attenuatus 200 

Leskea  polycarpa      201 

Thuidium  abietinum 202 

Thuidium  delicatulum 202 

Helodium  lanatum 206 

Helodium  paludosum 206 

Amblystegium  serpens 208 

Amblystegium  riparium 209 

HoMOM ALLIUM  ADNATUM 2IO 

HyGRO amblystegium   IRRIGUUM 212 

HyGRO AMBLYSTEGIUM   FLUVIATILE 212 

Drepanocladus  uncinatus     .      ,      , 214 

Drepanocladus  fluitans 215 

Calliergon  cordifolium 216 

Acrocladium  cuspid atum 218 

Hygrohypnum  dilatatum 219 

Hygrohypnum  eugyrium  var.  Mackayi 219 

CtENIDIUM   MOLLUSCUM 222 

Rhytidiadelphus  triquetrus 223 

Hylocomium  proliferum 225 

Hylocomium  umbratum 227 

Hypnum  Schreberi 229 

Ptilium  crista-castrensis 230 

Stereodon  reptilis .233 

Stereodon  imponens 234 


ILLUSTR.\TIONS  xxi 

Stereodon  arcuatus        236 

Stereodon  Haldanianus 237 

isopterygium  turfaceum 238 

Plagiotiiecium  denticulatum 240 

Plagiothecium  striatellum 242 

Camptothecium  nitens 243 

Brachythecium  salebrosum 244 

Brachythecium  rivulare 247 

cirriphyllum  boscii 250 

oxyrhynchium  rusciforme 25 1 

eurhynchium  strigosum  var.  robustum 253 

Bryhnia  novae-angliae 254 

Rhynchostegium  serrulatum 256 


ABBREVIATIONS   OF   NAMES 
OF   AUTHORS 

Note.  The  abbreviations,  or  in  a  few  cases  the  full  names,  given  after  the 
generic  or  specific  names  of  the  mosses  refer  to  the  botanists  who  named  the 
plants.  When  the  same  botanical  name  was  used  earlier  by  another  author  in 
a  different  connection,  the  name  of  the  earlier  author  is  given  in  parentheses. 

Aust.    Austin,  Coe  F. 

Banks    Banks,  George 

Bcauv.  (=  Palis.)  Beauvois,  A.  M.  F.  J.,  Palisot  de 

Bland.     Blandow,  Otto  C. 

Blytt    Blytt,  Matthias  N. 

Brid.     Bridel,  Samuel  E. 

Broth.     Brotherus,  Dr.  V.  F. 

Bruch    Bruch,  Philipp 

Bryol.  Eur.     Bryologia   Europaea.      A    publication    by    Bruch   & 

Schimper. 
C.  Miill.    Mulltr.  C. 
De  Not.     De  Notaris 
Dicks.     Dickson,  James 
Dill.     Dillenius,  Johann  J. 
E.  G.  B.     Britton,  Elizabeth  G. 
Ehrh.     Ehrhart,  Friedrich 
Funck     Funck,  Heinrich  C. 
Fiirnr.     Fiirnrohr 
Grev.     Greville,  Robert  K. 
Grout    Grout,  Dr.  A.  J. 
Gunn.     Gunnerus,  Johann  E. 
Hall.     Haller,  Albert  von 
Hammar    Hammar,  Olof 
Hamp.     Hampe,  Ernst 
Hedw.     Hedwig,  Johann 
Hoffm.     Hoffmann,  George  F. 
Hook.    Hooker,  William  J. 
Hook.  &  Tayl.    Hooker,  W.  J.,  &  Taylor,  Thomas 


XXIV  ABBREVIATIONS 

Hornsch.    Hornschuch,  Christian  F. 

Hiiben.    Hiibener,  J.  W.  P. 

Huds.     Hudson 

Jaeg.  &  Sauerb.     Jaeger  &  Sauerbeck 

James    James,  Thomas  P. 

Kaur.     Kaurin 

Lesq.    Lesquereux,  Leo 

Leyss.    Leysser,  Friedrich  W.  von 

L.    Linnaeus,  Carolus 

Limpr.    Limpricht 

Lindb.    Lindberg,  Sextus  O. 

Loesk.    Loeske 

Menz.     Menzies,  Archibald 

Michx.     Michaux.  Andre 

Milde    Milde,  Julius 

Mitt.     Mitten,  William 

Mohr    Mohr,  Daniel  M.  H. 

Mull.    MuUer,  C. 

Myr.    Myrin,  Claes  G. 

Neck.    Necker,  Noel  Joseph  de 

Nichols    Nichols,  George  E. 

Palis.  (=  Beauv.)     Palisot  de  Beauvois,  A.  M.  F.  J, 

Paris    Paris,  E.  G. 

Rabenh.     Rabenhorst,  Ludwig 

Ren.  &  Card.     Renauld  &  Cardot 

Rich.     Richard,  Louis  C.  M. 

Roell    Roell 

Rohl    Rohl,  E.  von 

Roth    Roth,  Georg 

Schimp.     Schimper,  W.  P. 

Schmid.     Schmidel,  Casimir  C. 

Schreb.     Schreber,  Johann  D.  C.  von 

Schrad.     Schrader,  Heinrich  A. 

Schwaegr.     Schwaegrichen,  Christian  F, 

Sibth.     Sibthorp,  John 

Sm.     Smith,  John 

Stark.     Starke 

Stroem    Stroem,  Hans 

Sull.    SuUivant,  WiUiam  S. 


ABBREVIATIONS  xxv 

Sull.  &  Lesq.     SuUivant  &  Lcsqucreux 

Sw.     Swartz,  Olaf 

Timm     Timm,  Joachim  C. 

Turn.     Turner,  Dawson 

Vill.     Villars,  Dominique 

Wahl.     Wahlcnbcrg,  Gcorg 

VVarnst.     Warnstorf,  C. 

Web.     Weber,  Friedrich 

Web.  &  Mohr    Weber,  Friedrich,  &  Mohr,  Daniel  M.  H. 

Weinm.     Weinmann,  J.  A. 

Weis    Weis,  Ludwig 

Willd.     Willdenow,  Carl  L. 

Wils.    Wilson,  William 


HOW    TO    KNOW    THE    MOSSES 

INTRODUCTION 

If  it  were  not  for  the  mosses,  it  is  difficult  to  say  how 
barren  the  woods  would  be  or  how  much  beauty  would 
be  lost  to  nature.  Wherever  mosses  occur  there  is  an 
added  bit  of  color.  The  eye  is  attracted  by  the  green, 
velvety  clumps  of  the  upright  plants,  the  delicate 
texture  of  the  prostrate  ones,  or  by  the  brighter  color 
of  the  slender  fruit-stalks. 

Mosses  are  relatively  small  plants,  but  they  often 
form  a  conspicuous  part  of  the  vegetation,  owing  to  the 
extensive  branching  and  the  prolonged  growth  of  the 
stems  and  their  rapid  multiplication.  (See  illustrations 
throughout  the  book;  also  parts  of  a  moss,  Plate  I.) 
The  plants  are  always  some  shade  of  green,  often 
brightened  by  touches  of  red,  orange,  or  yellow  in 
the  fruit  and  fruit-stalk.  They  consist  of  a  stem  and 
leaves,  although  either  of  these  may  be  greatly  re- 
duced. The  stems  are  erect,  prostrate  or  ascending, 
branched  or  unbranched,  reaching  several  inches  in 
length  in  the  largest  species,  while  others  are  so 
short  that  there  is  only  a  tiny  tuft  of  leaves,  and  the 
fruit  and  fruit-stalk  are  the  conspicuous  parts  of  the 
plants.  (See  chapter  on  ''Habit  and  Manner  of 
Growth,"  p.  12.)   The  leaves  vary  in  size,  the  longest 


2  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

measuring  fully  one-half  inch,  while  many  others  are 
too  small  or  too  closely  folded  to  be  seen  easily.  The 
beginner  will  mistake  branches  for  leaves  at  first, 
especially  when  the  leaves  are  small  and  the  branches 
numerous.  (See  chapter  on  "Leaves,"  p.  15.)  A  Httle 
experience  in  examining  different  kinds  of  mosses  will 
best  enable  one  to  know  what  are  branches  and  what 
are  leaves.  Mosses  branch  much  as  other  plants  do,  and 
the  leaves  usually  grow  all  around  both  the  stem  and 
the  branches,  sometimes  thickly  covering  them  and  so 
closely  overlapping  that  the  outline  of  the  leaf  cannot 
be  seen.  The  leaves  are  better  seen  when  moist,  as  they 
usually  spread  then  more  than  when  dry.  If  the  plants 
are  held  to  the  light,  at  least  the  tips  of  even  the  small 
leaves  generally  can  be  seen  standing  out  around  the 
stems  and  branches.  The  leaves  are  thin  and  flat, 
while  the  branches  are  usually  cylindrical  in  general 
outline,  especially  when  the  leaves  are  small  and 
closely  folded. 

The  appearance  of  most  mosses  changes  according 
to  the  amount  of  moisture  in  the  leaves.  When  moist, 
the  leaves  are  well  expanded  and  usually  spreading; 
when  dry,  they  either  becomie  more  erect  and  fold 
against  the  stem,  closely  overlapping,  or  else  they  are 
twisted  and  curled  (crisped).  Unlike  dried  flowering 
plants,  mosses  when  dried  are  not  past  reviving,  but 
can  be  restored  to  fresh  conditions  by  being  placed  in 
water.  This  is  due  to  difference  in  the  structure  and 
function  of  parts  of  the  plants.   Plants  of  the  higher 


INTRODUCTION  3 

orders  are  dependent  upon  roots  for  absorbing  most  of 
their  food  and  moisture  and  this  is  carried  up  through 
the  stem  and  distributed  to  all  parts  of  the  plant  by 
means  of  conducting  cells.  The  leaves,  as  well  as  other 
parts  of  the  plant,  are  entirely  surrounded  with  a 
special  layer  of  cells  the  outer  walls  of  which  contain  a 
substance  called  ^'cutin,"  which  renders  this  coating 
practically  water-  and  gas-proof.  This  waterproof 
coating  prevents  excessive  evaporation  and  also  ab- 
sorption of  water.  Mosses,  on  the  other  hand,  are  not 
dependent  upon  roots  for  absorbing  water,  and  the 
leaves  and  other  parts  of  the  plant  are  not  provided 
with  a  waterproof  coating.  This  structure  not  only 
causes  mosses  to  dry  easily,  but  also  enables  them  to 
absorb  water  quickly  through  the  entire  surface  of  the 
leaves  and  all  parts  of  the  plant  and  so  resume  the 
appearance  of  fresh  plants  when  dried  specimens  are 
placed  in  water. 

Mosses  are  widely  distributed,  and  are  found  in  all 
sorts  of  places  except  in  salt  water.  They  grow  on 
moist  and  on  dry  ground ;  on  bare  rocks  and  ledges  and 
on  those  that  are  covered  with  soil;  on  trees;  on  decay- 
ing wood,  such  as  old  logs  and  stumps;  on  old  roofs; 
and  even  in  streams  and  ponds  and  in  places  that  are 
sometimes  submerged.  They  are  especially  abundant 
in  cool,  moist  woods  and  luxuriant  swamps  where  old 
logs  are  rotting,  but  many  may  be  found  in  drier  and 
more  open  places,  such  as  old  fields  and  meadows, 
and  even  along  the  roadside. 


HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


The  name  ''moss "  is  commonly  applied  to  a  number 
of  plants  that  do  not  belong  to  the  true  mosses.  Only  a 
few  of  these  plants,  especially  some  of  the  hepatics, 
resemble  the  mosses  in  general  appearance;  the  others 
are  very  different  in  structure,  growth,  or  color;  and 
two  belong  to  the  flowering  plants. 

Lichens  are  often  called  mosses  by  those  unfamiliar 
with  the  lower  forms  of  plant-life;  but  the  absence  of 


Reindeer  Moss 
Cladonia  rangijerina 


Red-tipped  Moss 
Cladonia  cristatella 

LICHENS 


Beard  Moss 
Usnea  barbata 


anything  like  leaves  arranged  around  a  stem,  and  of 
the  bright  green  of  foHage  or  grass,  at  once  separates 
them  from  the  mosses  and  other  higher  plants.  A 
lichen  is  composed  of  an  alga  and  a  fungus  living  to- 
gether in  a  state  of  mutual  benefit.  Although  the  alga 
supplies  a  little  chlorophyll,  or  green  matter,  the  gen- 
eral color  of  lichens,  especially  when  dry,  is  usually 
some  shade  of  gray  or  very  pale  green,  or,  if  green 
when  moist,  becoming  gray  when  dry.  Some  species 
are  orange  or  brown.    The  plant-body  is  called  a  thai- 


INTRODUCTION 


Ills,  which  means  without  a  true  stem  and  leaves,  in 
the  sense  that  these  terms  are  used  in  connection  with 
the  higher  plants.  Some  lichens  are  flat,  more  or  less 
disk-shaped;  some  are  erect  and  have  a  hollow,  stem- 
like structure  which  is  often  branched;  while  others  are 
thread-like  and  hang  from  trees. 

The  stiff,  shrubby  growth  called  *'  reindeer  moss,"  the 
winter  food  of  the  reindeer;  the  ''red- tipped  moss"  with 
bright-red  fruit-caps;  and  the  "beard  moss"  which 
hangs  like  a  gray  beard  from  old  trees,  are  all  lichens. 

Sea  mosses  (Algae)  belong,  with  the  lichens  and 
fungi,  to  a  lower  order  than  the  land  mosses.  Although 
the  true  mosses  grow  on  cliffs  by  the  sea,  they  nev«r 
grow  in  salt  water  as  the  algae  do.  Irish  moss  used  in 
cooking  is  an  alga. 

The  so-called  "club  mosses"  (Lycopodiaceae)  are 


Lycopodium  luciduliim 
Reduced 


Lycopodium  obscurum 
Reduced 


CLUB    MOSSES 


6  HOW   TO   KNOW   THE    MOSSES 

larger,  coarser,  more  robust  plants  than  the  mosses  and 
belong  to  a  higher  order.  They  have  woody  stems  and 
stiff, evergreen  leaves.  "Stag's  horn  moss"  is  a  popular 
name  for  some  species  of  Lycopodium,  differently  used 
in  different  locahties. 


Long  Moss  (Tillandsia)  Flowering  Moss  (Pyxidanthera) 

Reduced  Reduced 

FLOWERING  PLANTS 


The  "long  moss"  which  hangs  in  long  tufts  from 
branches  of  trees  in  the  South,  and  the  "flowering 
moss"  which  grows  prostrate  in  the  pine  barrens  of 
New  Jersey  and  southward,  belong  to  the  flowering 
plants,  and  will  not  be  confused  with  the  mosses  except 
in  name.   "  Florida  moss  "  is  the  long  moss. 

The  hepatics  or  liverworts,  especially  the  leafy  liver- 
worts sometimes  called  "scale  mosses"  (Jungermanni- 
ales) ,  somewhat  resemble  certain  mosses,  and  one  needs 
to  know  something  of  their  appearance  in  order  to 
recognize  them.  They  are  a  rather  dark  green,  and  are 


INTRODUCTION  7 

found  in  moist  woods  on  rocks,  trees,  old  logs,  etc.,  not 
infrequently  growing  with  mosses. 

The  true  liverworts  {Marchantiales)  do  not  have  a 
true  stem  or  leaves,  but  are  broad  and  flat,  and  cling 
closely  to  the  substratum.    They  are  less  frequently 


Liverwort  (Marchanlia)  Scale  Moss  i^azzania) 

HEPATICS 

confused  with  mosses.  It  is  in  regard  to  the  leafy  liver- 
worts, or  ''scale  mosses"  (Jungermanniales) ,  that  one 
particularly  needs  a  word  of  warning. 

The  scale  mosses  have  leafy  stems  and  are  pros- 
trate, ascending,  or  erect.  The  leaves  are  usually 
rounded,  lobed,  or  cleft,  often  curved  under  at  the  tips, 
and  never  have  a  midrib.  There  are  two  rows  of  leaves, 
one  on  each  side  of  the  stem,  with  a  third  row  of  modi- 
fied leaves  underneath;  so  that  the  plants  are  not  only 
flattened,  but  have  also  two  distinct  surfaces.  This 
flattened  appearance  of  the  stems  and  the  peculiar 
shape  of  the  leaves  are  good  distinguishing  character- 
istics that  separate  these  hepatics  from  the  mosses. 
The  leaves  of  mosses  are  never  lobed  or  cleft,  and  are 
usually  arranged  all  around  the  stem,   so  that  the 


8  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

plants  do  not  show  a  distinct  upper  and  lower  surface. 
A  midrib  may  or  may  not  be  present.  In  many  species 
it  can  be  seen  when  the  plants  are  held  to  the  light.  In 
the  genus  Fissidens  (p.  97)  the  leaves  are  in  only  two 
rows  and  mHomalia  (p.  186)  nearly  in  two  rows,  but 
they  do  not  curl  under  at  the  tips  as  the  leaves  of  he- 
patics  so  often  do.  In  some  other  mosses  the  leaves 
appear  to  be  in  two  rows,  as  they  turn  in  two  opposite 
directions  and  are  somewhat  flattened,  but  in  these 
cases  the  shape  of  the  leaves  or  the  presence  of  the  fruit 
helps  to  distinguish  the  plants.  The  mosses  are  more 
numerous  than  the  hepatics. 

On  account  of  the  importance  of  distinguishing 
certain  hepatics,  the  following  table  may  be  helpful :  — 

Leafy  Hepatics  Mosses 

{Jungermanniales) 

Plants  Always  flattened,  with  Not  always  flattened,  usually 
two  distinct  surfaces;  the  without  a  lower  or  back  surface, 
lower  or  back  surface  to- 
ward which  the  leaves 
curl  sometimes  bearing 
what  appear  to  be  root- 
lets. 

Leaves  Arranged  in  two  oppo-  Usually  arranged  equally 
site  rows;  rounded,  lobed  around  stem;  never  lobed  or  cleft 
or  cleft,  often  curved  un-  and  when  rounded  not  curved 
der  at  tips.  under  at  tips. 

Midrib      Absent.  Present  or  absent. 

Classification  and  Life  History 

The  mosses,  or  Musci,  and  the  liverworts,  or  He- 
paticae,  are  the  two  divisions  of  the  Bryophytes,  a  Class 
coming  between  the  fungi  and  the  ferns.  The  mosses 


INTRODUCTION  9 

are  more  numerous  than  the  liverworts  and  are  divided 
into  three  Orders:  I.  Sphagnales,  or  peat  mosses; 
II.  Andreaeales;  III.  Bryales,  or  true  mosses.  The  first 
two  Orders  are  described  in  separate  chapters,  as  they 
differ  in  structure  from  the  true  mosses.  See  Sphag- 
nales (p.  73)  and  Andreaeales  (p.  75). 

The  reproduction  of  mosses  is  accomplished  in  two 
general  ways,  sexually  and  asexually.  In  the  asexual 
or  vegetative  reproduction,  that  is,  multiplication  by 
other  means  than  by  the  sexually  formed  spores,  either 
small  organisms,  known  as  ''gemmae,"  produced 
among  the  leaves  or  at  the  end  of  slender  branches, 
become  separated  from  the  parent  plant  and  develop 
new  individuals,  or  parts  of  the  plants,  such  as  bits 
of  the  stem,  branches,  or  leaves,  become  detached  and 
grow  into  new  plants.  In  the  sexual  reproduction, 
mosses,  like  ferns,  start  from  a  spore,  not  from  a  seed. 
The  spore  first  produces  a  green  thread-like  growth 
called  protonema,  and  upon  this  a  tiny  bud  develops 
that  grows  into  the  leafy  plant.  The  male  and  female 
flowers  occur  at  the  apex  or  on  the  side  of  the  stems 
and  branches,  sometimes  growing  on  the  same  plant 
and  sometimes  on  separate  plants.  The  sexual  organs 
are  microscopic,  but  the  male  buds  are  often  conspicu- 
ous and  surrounded  by  a  rosette  of  bract-like  leaves 
that  are  green,  red,  or  orange.  The  sperms  from  the 
male  flowers  swim  in  moisture,  after  rains  or  heavy 
dews,  to  the  egg-cell  of  the  female  flower.  After  fertili- 
zation takes  place,  the  fruit  or  capsule  develops,  en- 


lo  HOW  TO  KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

closing  the  spores.  The  capsule  is  usually  borne  above 
the  plant  on  a  stalk  of  varying  length,  called  the  seta. 
When  the  seta  is  very  short  or  lacking,  the  capsule  is 
almost  hidden  in  the  surrounding  leaves.  At  the  mouth 
of  the  capsule  are  special  parts  that  serve  to  protect  the 
spores  until  they  are  mature  and  ready  to  be  scattered 
to  develop  new  plants  under  favorable  conditions. 

As  special  reference  is  made  in  the  Keys  to  the  char- 
acter of  the  capsule,  leaves,  and  stems,  they  are  de- 
scribed in  chapters  by  themselves.  (See  "Habit  and 
Manner  of  Growth,"  p.  12,  ''Leaves,"  p.  15,  "Cap- 
sules," p.  20.) 

Some  mosses  are  short-lived,  but  many  are  peren- 
nial, and  continue  their  growth  annually  at  the  tips  of 
the  stems  and  branches,  or  develop  new  plants  from 
underground  stems.  There  are  no  true  roots,  but  the 
plants  are  attached  to  their  substratum  by  radicles,  or 
rootlets.  Radicles  are  not  only  at  the  base  of  the  stem, 
but  sometimes  cover  the  greater  part  of  it,  forming  a 
brown  or  whitish,  felt-like  coating,  called  tomentum. 

The  simple  structure  of  mosses  enables  them  to  ab- 
sorb moisture  easily,  and  where  extensive  growths 
occur,  they  perform  an  important  service  to  plant-life 
by  holding  back  much  of  the  rainfall,  allowing  the 
water  to  soak  into  the  earth  gradually  instead  of 
running  off  the  surface.  They  also  add  to  the  rich- 
ness of  the  soil  through  their  decay,  and  assist  in  the 
disintegration  of  rocks.  A  few  of  the  larger  species 
are  used  as  a  packing  material.   Sometimes  they  are 


INTRODUCTION  '  ii 

dyed  and  used  for  decorative  purposes,  especially  by 
milliners. 

Mosses  may  be  collected  and  grown  in  the  house  if  a 
little  care  is  taken  to  keep  them  moist.  It  is  well  to 
collect  enough  of  the  substance  upon  which  the  plants 
grow  so  as  not  to  disturb  the  rootlets.  A  number  of 
different  kinds  may  be  placed  together  in  a  fern  globe 
or  in  an  open  dish.  A  Httle  experience  will  show  one 
how  much  sun  and  how  much  moisture  are  required. 
Too  much  sun  will  make  the  plants  dry  too  quickly, 
and  too  much  moisture  without  enough  sun  will  make 
the  plants  mould.  It  is  often  of  great  interest  to  gather 
plants  with  very  young  fruit  and  then  watch  the  cap- 
sules develop  and  the  new  shoots  grow. 


HABIT  AND   MANNER  OF   GROWTH 

Mosses  have  certain  ways  of  growing  and  of  branch- 
ing that  are  important  generic  characteristics  and  these 
should  be  noticed  when  specimens  are  collected  for 
determination. 

There  are  two  chief  types  of  growth  by  which  all 
mosses  fall  naturally  into  two  main  divisions.  In  one, 
the  acrocarpous  mosses,  which  often  form  a  deep, 
thick  growth,  the  stem  is  typically  erect  (Plate  I, 
Fig.  i),  not  branched  or  with  only  a  few  branches,  and 
the  fruit  is  borne  at  the  tip  of  the  stem,  sometimes  ap- 
pearing lateral  by  the  new  growth  of  the  plant.  (Plate 
I,  Figs.  2,  3.)  In  the  second  type,  the  pleurocarpous 
mosses,  which  often  form  thin,  fiat,  tangled  mats,  the 
stem  is  generally  prostrate  (Plate  I,  Fig.  4),  or  ascend- 
ing (Plate  I,  Fig.  5),  erect  in  only  a  few  cases,  much 
branched,  and  the  fruit  is  borne  on  the  side  of  the 
stem. 

The  plants  may  be  scattered  singly  or  may  grow 
more  or  less  crowded  together.  Deep  mossy  mats  are 
sometimes  formed  when  plants  with  erect  or  ascending 
stems  grow  close  together  and  the  new  annual  growth 
is  added  to  that  of  the  previous  year.  Thin  flat  mats 
occur  when  the  plants  are  prostrate  or  creeping  and 
the  stems  and  branches  continue  to  spread  and  inter- 
weave. In  some  genera,  rounded  cushions  are  formed 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  I 
Acrocarpous  Mosses 

Fig.  I.  Parts  of  a  moss;  stem  erect,  not  branched;  fruit  at  apex  of 

stem. 
Fig.  2.  Fruit  appearing  lateral  by  forking  of  stem. 
Fig.  3.  Fruit  appearing  lateral  by  new  growth  of  plant. 

Pleurocarpous  Mosses 

Fig.  4.  Stem  prostrate;  fruit  on  a  short  lateral  branch. 
Fig.  5.  Stem  ascending;  fruit  on  side  of  stem. 


FRUIT  -- 


FRUIT- STALK 


stem; 


•-  OR  CAPSULE 


OR   SETA 


:    LEAVES 


RADICLES 


^ 


w 


^ 


r 


t 


Plate  I.     ILLUSTRATIONS  OF  TERMS 


HABIT  AND  MANNER  OF  GROWTH  13 

when  a  number  of  plants  grow  together  in  separated 
tufts  instead  of  spreading  over  any  extent  of  surface. 

The  stems  may  be  not  branched  at  all  or  slightly 
branched  by  forking  (Plate  II,  Fig.  i),  or  with  numer- 
ous lateral  branches  arranged  pinnately  (Plate  II, 
Fig.  2),  bipinnately  (Plate  II,  Fig.  3),  tripinnately 
(Plate  II,  Fig.  4),  irregularly  (Plate  II,  Fig.  6),  in 
clusters  (Plate  II,  Fig.  7),  or  like  the  branches  of  a  tree 
(Plate  II,  Fig.  5). 

Sometimes  the  primary  stem  is  creeping  and  the 
secondary  stems  erect  or  ascending,  more  or  less 
branched  (Plate  II,  Fig.  8).  In  this  case,  care  must  be 
taken  to  separate  the  plants  and  not  to  mistake  a 
pleurocarpous  moss  with  prostrate  stem  and  erect 
branches  (Plate  II,  Fig.  8)  for  an  acrocarpous  moss 
with  erect  stem  (Plate  I,  Fig.  i). 

The  pleurocarpous  mosses,  usually  creeping  or  pros- 
trate, grow  in  tangled  mats  with  interwoven  stems 
and  branches  so  that  no  great  length  can  be  easily 
separated,  while  individual  plants  of  the  acrocarpous 
mosses,  growing  erect,  are  easily  separated.  Two  or 
more  kinds  of  mosses  are  often  found  growing  together. 
When  plants  with  erect  stems  (acrocarpous  mosses)  are 
mixed,  it  is  not  difficult  to  separate  them,  especially  if 
the  leaves  of  the  different  species  are  distinctly  unlike; 
but  one  prostrate  species  (a  pleurocarpous  moss)  may 
grow  on  top  of  another  of  similar  growth  quite  con- 
cealing it,  or  the  stems  and  branches  of  both  mosses 
may  grow  together  on  the  surface,  sometimes  so  inter- 


>v 


14  HOW  TO   KNOW   THE   MOSSES 

woven  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  separate  them. 
Such  mixed  material  is  not  good  to  study  or  to  keep 
for  the  herbarium.  It  is  not  unusual  to  collect  an  ap- 
parently good  fruited  specimen  and  upon  careful  exam- 
ination to  find  that  the  fruit  of  some  moss  quite  hidden 
from  view  has  pushed  up  through  the  conspicuous 
growth  on  the  surface,  giving  a  wrong  idea  of  the  cap- 
sule that  really  belongs  to  the  moss  first  noticed. 

The  color  of  a  moss  given  in  descriptions  is  that  of 
the  leaves,  as  the  leaves  so  thickly  cover  both  the  stem 
and  branches,  but  sometimes  when  the  leafy  part  is 
small,  the  color  of  the  fruit-stalks  is  more  conspicuous. 
In  a  few  cases  when  moist  plants  are  held  to  the  light, 
the  stems  and  branches  of  the  new  growth  show  con- 
spicuously red  through  the  leaves.  (See  Pohlia,  p.  1 27 ; 
Bryum,  p.  129;  Hylocomium,  p.  225;  Hypnum,  p.  229.) 
When  this  is  the  case  it  is  mentioned  in  the  descrip- 
tions; otherwise  color  is  given  only  under  ^'Plants" 
and  repeated  under  *' Leaves."  Sometimes  the  lower 
part  of  the  stem  is  covered  with  reddish-brown  or 
whitish  radicles,  forming  a  felt-like  coating  called 
tomentum,  which  often  mats  the  stems  together.  (See 
Dicranum,  p.  87. ) 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  II 
Branching  of  Acrocarpous  Mosses 

{Lines  represent  stems  and  branches) 

Fig.  I.  Stems  forked.  (The  usual  manner  of  branching;  for  exceptions 
see  Philonotis,  p.  145,  and  Drummondia,  p.  116.) 

Branching  of  Pleurocarpous  Mosses 

Fig.  2.  Stem  pinnate.  (Branches  quite  regularly  arranged  on  opposite 

sides  of  stem.) 
Fig.  3.  Stem  bipinnate.    (Some  if  not  all  of  the  pinnate  branches 

branched  again.) 
Fig.  4.  Stem  tripinnate.    (Some  if  not  all  of  the  bipinnate  branches 

branched  again.) 
Fig.  5.  Stem  tree-like  in  branching.   (Branches  only  toward  the  tip  of 

the  stem,  like  the  branches  of  a  tree.) 
Fig.  6.  Stem  irregularly  branched.    (Varying  in  many  ways  but  not 

regularly  pinnate,  bipinnate,  tripinnate,  or  tree-like.) 
Fig.  7.  Stem  with  branches  arranged  in  clusters. 
Fig.  8.  Primary  stem  creeping,  secondary  stems  erect  oi-  ascending, 

usually  branched. 


Plate  II.     ILLUSTRATIONS  OF  TERMS 


LEAVES 

The  leaves  of  mosses  vary  in  size,  shape,  arrange- 
ment, position,  and  color,  and  it  is  necessary  to  train 
the  eye  to  notice  these  variations  in  order  to  recognize 
the  generic  characteristics. 

Care  must  be  taken  not  to  mistake  branches  for 
leaves,  when  the  leaves  are  very  small  and  the  branches 
are  more  conspicuous. 

Mosses  branch  much  like  other  plants  and  the  leaves 
are  much  more  numerous  than  the  branches,  some- 
times thickly  covering  both  the  stem  and  the  branches. 
When  the  leaves  are  very  small  and  closely  folded,  the 
branches  look  cylindrical,  but  if  the  plants  are  held  to 
the  light,  at  least  the  tips  of  the  leaves  can  usually  be 
seen  sticking  out  around  the  branches. 

Unlike  the  leaves  of  other  plants,  the  leaves  of 
mosses  nearly  always  consist  of  only  a  single  layer  of 
cells,  except  where  the  midrib  occurs  or  at  the  margin 
of  the  leaf  when  it  is  thickened.  This  simple  structure 
makes  the  leaves  dry  readily  and  also  absorb  moisture 
readily,  and  adds  a  special  interest  to  the  study  of 
mosses,  as  dried  specimens  can  be  easily  restored  to 
fresh  conditions  by  being  placed  in  water  for  a  few 
minutes.  This  has  been  tried  with  plants  that  had  re- 
mained dry  for  over  one  hundred  years,  and  it  was 
found  that  the  leaves  still  expanded  quickly.    In  an- 


i6  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

other  instance,  two  different  mosses  were  soaked  and 
dried  fifty  times  without  injury  to  the  plants  except 
that  the  color  of  the  leaves  faded. 

A  midrib,  called  a  costa,  may  or  may  not  be  present, 
and  it  may  be  single,  double,  or  forked.  In  some  of  the 
largest  leaves  it  can  be  seen  if  the  plants  are  held  to  the 
light.  (See  Mnium  punctatum  var.  elatum,  Plate  VI, 
Fig.  5.)  It  shows  like  a  dark  line  through  the  center 
of  the  leaf,  and  is  usually  slender,  but  in  the  Polytri- 
chaceae  (p.  156)  it  is  much  wider,  sometimes  occupying 
the  greater  part  of  the  leaf  blade. 

The  leaves  never  have  a  stalk,  but  grow  directly  on 
the  stem  and  branch. 

Leaves  on  the  same  plant  may  vary  in  size.  Those 
that  are  typical  and  that  should  be  selected  for  study 
are  along  the  middle  part  of  the  stem  or  branch.  The 
leaves  near  the  base  of  the  stem,  as  well  as  those  at  the 
tip,  are  often  smaller  or  not  well  developed.  Plants  not 
bearing  fruit  sometimes  grow  more  luxuriantly  than 
fruited  specimens  and  therefore  have  larger  leaves. 
When  the  plants  are  much  branched  (pleurocarpous 
mosses),  the  leaves  on  the  stem  are  often  larger  than 
those  on  the  branches.  Many  leaves  are  large  enough 
to  be  seen  easily,  the  longest  measuring  fully  one-half 
inch;  many  that  are  smaller  can  be  seen  when  the 
plants  are  held  to  the  Hght  or  against  something  white; 
while  still  others  are  too  small  or  too  closely  folded 
against  the  stem  or  branch  to  be  seen  without  a  lens. 

Leaves  vary  in  shape  from  hair-like  to  nearly  round, 


LEAVES  17 

but  they  are  never  compound,  lobed,  or  deeply  cut. 
The  leaves  of  the  acrocarpous  mosses,  those  coming 
under  Division  A  in  the  Keys,  may  be  divided  as  rela- 
tively long  and  narrow,  or  short  and  broad.  Those  that 
are  relatively  long  and  narrow  may  be  hair-like 
throughout,  or  broader  at  the  base  and  gradually  nar- 
rowed (Plate  III,  Fig.  i),  or  about  the  same  width 
throughout  and  then  end  in  a  hair-like  tip  (Plate  III, 
Fig.  2).  The  leaves  that  are  relatively  short  and  broad 
may  be  ovate  (Plate  III,  Fig.  3),  or  ovate-oblong  (Plate 
III,  Fig.  4),  or  elliptical  (Plate  III,  Fig.  5),  or  nearly 
round  (Plate  III,  Fig.  6). 

The  leaves  of  most  of  the  pleurocarpous  mosses, 
coming  under  Division  B  in  the  Keys,  vary  less  in 
shape  and  are  less  easily  seen,  as  they  are  so  small  or 
so  closely  folded.  Although  there  are  some  similar  to 
those  described  above,  the  shape  that  is  most  common 
is  more  or  less  ovate  at  the  base  ending  in  a  straight  tip 
(Plate  III,  Fig.  7),  or  in  a  curved  tip  (Plate  III,  Fig.  8). 

The  edge  of  the  leaf  may  be  entire  or  serrate,  but  in 
only  a  very  few  mosses  are  the  serrations  seen  without 
a  lens.  When  the  cells  along  the  margin  of  the  leaf 
differ  from  those  of  the  rest  of  the  leaf,  the  leaf  is  said 
to  be  bordered.  In  the  large  leaves  of  Mniuni  punc- 
tatum  var.  elatum  (Plate  VI,  Fig.  5),  the  thickened 
border  can  be  seen  like  a  fine,  dark-green  line  around 
the  leaf. 

Leaves  are  described  as  ''crisped"  when  they  be- 
come crinkled,  curled,  or  twisted  in  drying. 


1 8  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

The  arrangement  and  position  of  the  leaves  are 
important  characteristics  in  determining  mosses,  and 
ones  that  can  be  easily  studied. 

Leaves  usually  grow  all  around  the  stems  and 
branches  (Plate  III,  Fig.  9),  but  in  Fissidens  (p.  97), 
Distichium  (p.  83),  and  in  a  few  other  genera  not  in- 
cluded in  this  book,  they  are  arranged  in  only  two 
rows  on  opposite  sides  of  the  stem  and  He  flat  like  the 
pinnae  of  a  fern  (Plate  III,  Fig.  10).  They  are  called 
''erect"  when  they  He  about  parallel  with  the  stem 
(Plate  III,  Fig.  11);  "wide-spreading,"  when  they 
stand  out  nearly  at  right  angles  to  the  stem  (Plate  III, 
Fig.  12) ;  ''  erect-spreading,"  or  ''  not  wide-spreading," 
when  they  are  between  erect  and  wide-spreading;  and 
''turned  to  one  side"  (secund),  when  they  look  as  if 
blown  in  one  direction  (Plate  III,  Fig.  13).  In  some  of 
the  pleurocarpous  mosses  the  leaves  appear  in  two 
rows  when  they  are  evenly  parted  and  turned  in  two 
opposite  directions  (Plate  III,  Fig.  14). 

There  is  often  a  difference  in  the  position  of  the 
leaves  when  moist  and  when  dry.  For  instance,  leaves 
that  are  wide-spreading  when  moist  may  become 
closely  folded  when  dry  instead  of  becoming  crisped; 
in  other  cases  they  are  not  much  changed  in  drying. 

Many  shades  of  green  are  found  in  the  mosses.  Some 
are  glaucous  (whitish)  or  bluish,  some  golden  or  yel- 
lowish, and  some  bright,  olive,  or  dark  green.  There  is 
often  a  variation  in  color,  even  on  the  same  plant,  as 
the  oldest  leaves  turn  brown  or  dark,  while  the  young- 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  III 
Leaves  of  Acrocarpous  Mosses 

LEAVES  relatively  LONG  AND  NARROW 

Fig.    I.  Broader  than  hair-like. 
Fig.    2.  Ending  in  a  hair-like  tip. 

LEAVES  RELATIVELY  SHORT  AND  BROAD 

Fig.  3.  Ovate,  or  egg-shaped. 

Fig.  4.  Ovate-oblong. 

Fig.  5.  Elliptical. 

Fig.  6.  Nearly  round. 

LEAVES   OF  MOST  PLEUROCARPOUS  MOSSES 

Fig.    7.  Ovate  at  base,  ending  in  a  straight  tip. 
Fig.    8.  Ovate  at  base,  ending  in  a  curved  tip. 

ARRANGEMENT   OF  LEAVES 

Fig.    Q.  Leaves  on  stem  and  branches. 

Fig.  10.  Leaves  in  two  opposite  rows,  giving  the  plants  a  flattened 
appearance. 

LEAVES  ARRANGED  EQUALLY  AROUND  STEM 

Fig.  II.  Leaves  erect.   (Nearly  parallel  to  stem.) 

Fig.  12.  Leaves  wide-spreading.    (More  or  less  at  right  angles  to 

stem.) 
Fig.  13.  Leaves  turned  to  one  side.   (Secund.) 
Fig.  14.  Leaves  curved  and  turned  in  opposite  directions,  giving  a 

braided  appearance  along  the  stem  and  branches. 


Plate  III.     ILLUSTRATIONS  OF  TERMS 


LEAVES  19 

est  are  usually  very  light;  the  leaves  along  the  central 
portion  of  the  stem  give  the  typical  color  of  the  plant. 
Although  the  color  is  quite  characteristic  when  the 
plants  are  normal,  it  is  rather  unreliable,  as  it  is  often 
affected  by  the  various  conditions  under  which  the 
plants  may  grow. 


CAPSULES 

The  capsule  of  a  moss  is  often  spoken  of  as  the 
'*  fruit."  It  is  the  swollen  case  containing  the  spores  at 
the  end  of  a  slender  stalk  called  the  seta,  or  partly  hid- 
den_by  the  surrounding  leaves,  and  develops,  like  all 
fruit,  after  the  flower  has  been  fertilized.  (Plate  IV, 
Fig.  I.) 

Great  care  must  be  taken  when  studying  the  cap- 
sule to  be  sure  it  is  old  enough  to  show  the  typical  form 
and  position.  A  young  capsule  is  nearly  always  pale 
green  and  very  slender,  shrinking  a  good  deal  when 
dry.  A  capsule  is  mature  when  the  spores  are  ripe  and 
ready  to  be  scattered,  and  it  is  then  yellowish-  or  red- 
dish-brown, well  filled  out,  and  does  not  wholly  lose 
its  characteristic  shape  in  drying.  Sometimes  a  green 
capsule  is  sufficiently  developed  to  show  the  typical 
form,  but  it  must  be  at  least  filled  out  if  not  beginning 
to  change  color.  When  the  spores  have  all  been  scat- 
tered, the  capsule  is  spoken  of  as  empty,  but  in  many 
cases  it  retains  its  characteristic  shape  for  some  time. 
Often  both  old  and  young  capsules  may  be  found  at 
the  same  time.  Extremes  in  either  case  should  not  be 
used  for  study,  as  a  very  old  capsule  becomes  dark  and 
decayed  or  broken,  or,  if  at  first  erect,  it  may  become 
bent  over.  Most  mosses  mature  their  spores  in  the  fall 
or  early  winter,  the  rest  do  so  in  the  spring  or  summer. 


CAPSULES  21 

The  capsule  is  usually  borne  above  the  leafy  plant  on 
a  fruit-stalk,  or  seta  (Plate  IV,  Fig.  i)  of  varying  length. 
In  some  cases  the  capsule  is  partly  hidden  by  the  sur- 
rounding leaves  when  the  seta  is  very  short.  If  the 
seta  comes  from  the  apex  of  the  stem  or  of  a  well- 
developed  branch,  the  fruit  is  spoken  of  as  terminal  " 
and  the  moss  is  called  "acrocarpous " ;  if  the  seta  comes 
from  the  side  of  the  stem  or  is  on  a  very  short  lateral 
branch,  the  fruit  is  spoken  of  as ''  lateral "  and  the  moss 
is  called  ''pleurocarpous."  The  color  of  the  seta  is 
usually  yellowish  or  reddish. 

An  erect  capsule  is  upright  like  the  seta;  when  not 
erect,  it  may  be  inclined,  horizontal,  or  drooping.  For 
the  various  shapes  of  capsules  and  their  characteristic 
positions  see  Plate  IV,  Figs.  3-16. 

There  are  interesting  parts  of  the  capsule  —  the 
operculum  and  the  peristome  —  that  with  the  calyptra 
serve  as  a  protection  while  the  fruit  is  immature.  (See 
Plate  IV,  Figs.  1,2.) 

The  calyptra  is  like  a  hood  covering  the  young  cap- 
sule. It  usually  falls  off  before  the  spores  are  ripe,  but 
if  it  remains  on  until  the  capsule  fills  out,  it  is  often 
pushed  upwards  and  finally  covers  only  the  beak  of  the 
operculum.  In  a  few  cases  the  calyptra  is  covered  with 
hairs.  (See  Ulota,  p.  119,  and  Polytrichum,  p.  162.)  It 
may  be  hood-shaped  (cucullate)  (Plate  IV,  Fig.  17)  or 
like  a  beaked  cap  (mitrate)  (Plate  IV,  Fig.  18). 

Nearly  all  capsules  open  by  means  of  a  lid,  or  oper- 
culum. It  is  the  upper  portion  of  the  capsule  that  be- 


22  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

comes  detached  and  falls  off  when  the  spores  are  ripe. 
It  may  be  convex  (Plate  IV,  Fig.  19),  cone-shaped 
(Plate  IV,  Fig.  20),  short-beaked  (Plate  IV,  Fig.  21), 
or  long-beaked  (Plate  IV,  Fig.  22). 

Underneath  the  operculum  surrounding  the  mouth 
of  the  capsule,  there  is  usually  a  tiny  fringe  called  the 
peristome  which  may  be  single  or  double.  The  outer 
peristome  is  composed  of  filaments  called  "teeth"  that 
are  sensitive  to  moisture;  they  usually  shade  from  red 
to  orange  or  yellow.  The  inner  peristome  is  more 
dehcate  than  the  outer,  and  its  divisions  are  called 
"segments."  In  wet  weather  the  teeth  are  tightly 
closed  together  to  prevent  the  spores  from  being 
washed  out  in  masses;  when  dry,  they  separate  and 
bend  back  allowing  the  spores  to  sift  out.  The  number 
of  teeth,  and  their  size,  shape,  and  character  are  often 
important  points  in  determining  species  when  studying 
mosses  with  a  microscope.  (See  Plate  V,  Fig.  6 ;  Plate 
VI,  Fig.  2;  Plate  VII,  Fig.  4.) 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  IV 
Capsules 

Fig.    I.  Capsule  with  calyptra  and  operculum  in  their  natural  place. 
Fig.    2.  Calyptra  and  operculum  removed  to  show  peristome. 

SHAPES   AND   POSITIONS   OF   CAPSULES 

{Drawn  without  the  operculum) 
ERECT   CAPSULES 


Fig. 

3.  CyUndrical. 

Fig. 

4.  Angular. 

Fig. 

5.  Top-shaped. 

Fig. 

6.  Urn-shaped. 

Fig. 

7.  Elliptical. 

Fig. 

8.  Oval,  or  egg-shaped. 

Fig. 

9.  Pear-shaped. 

Fig. 

10. 

Fig. 

II. 

Fig. 

12. 

Fig. 

13- 

Fig. 

14. 

Fig. 

15- 

Fig. 

16. 

CAPSULES   NOT  ERECT 


Cylindrical,  horizontal. 

Cylindrical,  much  curved. 

Cylindrical,  hanging  down. 

Globular. 

Pear-shaped  with  neck  distinct. 

Angular,  horizontal. 

Ovate,  or  egg-shaped,  pointed. 


SHAPES   OF   THE    CALYPTRA 

Fig.  17.  Hood-shaped  (cucullate). 
Fig.  18.  Like  a  beaked  cap  (mitrate). 


SHAPES   OF   THE   OPERCULUM 

Fig.  19.  Convex. 
Fig.  20.  Cone-shaped  (conic). 
Fig.  21.  Short-beaked. 
Fig.  22.  Long-beaked. 


•peristome: 


9=    ?. 


10 


12 


15 


lb 


17  OUU  18 


»    A 


ZO 


21  C )  22 


Plate  IV.     ILLUSTRATIONS  OF  TERMS 


THE   KEYS   EXPLAINED 

The  object  of  the  Keys  is  to  give  the  student  a  non- 
technical guide  to  the  genera  and  in  some  cases  the 
species  of  the  mosses  he  is  likely  to  notice,  and  to  en- 
able him  to  recognize  them  without  the  aid  of  a  lens. 
No  preliminary  knowledge  of  the  mosses  is  necessary 
except  of  their  habitat;  that  is,  the  natural  locality  of 
the  plants,  as  ground,  rocks,  trees,  etc.  The  numbers 
in  the  Keys  refer  to  the  genera  in  ''List  of  Genera" 
(p.  70).  Illustrations  of  the  descriptive  terms  used  will 
be  found  on  Plates  I,  II,  III,  IV. 

Two  separate  Keys  are  provided,  each  including  all 
the  mosses  described  in  the  book.  The  Leaf  Key  is 
based  upon  the  character  of  the  leaves  with  further 
subdivisions,  and  the  Capsule  Key  is  based  upon  the 
character  of  the  capsules  with  further  subdivisions.  In 
some  cases  the  leaves  alone  or  the  capsules  alone  are 
not  sufficient  to  determine  a  moss,  and  for  this  reason 
the  Leaf  Key  is  carried  out  with  capsules  and  the  Cap- 
sule Key  is  carried  out  with  leaves.  Stem  characteris- 
tics are  given  when  helpful  in  dividing  the  mosses  into 
groups.  The  length  of  the  stem  is  measured  from  the 
rootlets  through  the  leafy  portion;  but  does  not  include 
the  fruit-stalk.   (See  Plate  I,  Fig.  i.) 

In  both  Keys  the  mosses  are  first  divided  in  the  usual 
way.  Division  A  including  the  acrocarpous  mosses  with 


24  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

the  stems  generally  erect  and  not  much  branched,  and 
the  fruit  at  the  apex  of  the  stem ;  Division  B  including 
the  pleurocarpous  mosses  with  the  stems  generally 
prostrate  and  much  branched  and  the  fruit  on  the  side 
of  the  stem. 

As  is  to  be  expected  with  any  key  based  on  general 
characteristics,  certain  exceptions  may  be  found  and 
certain  difficulties  encountered.  The  chief  of  these  are 
as  follows :  Mosses  coming  under  Division  A  may  not 
be  strictly  erect  and  may  be  more  or  less  branched,  but 
the  fruit  is  terminal,  although  it  may  appear  lateral  by 
the  time  it  is  mature  on  account  of  the  new  growth  of 
the  stem,  which  is  not  so  dark  a  green  as  the  older  part. 
The  fruit  of  Fissidens  (p.  97)  may  be  terminal  or  lat- 
eral, but  the  stems  are  erect  and  little  branched.  The 
stems  of  the  Grimmiaceae  (p.  iii)  and  the  Orthotricha- 
ceae  (p.  116)  may  be  more  or  less  prostrate  with  erect 
branches,  but  the  fruit  is  borne  at  the  tip  of  the  stem  or 
branch.  There  are  a  few  erect  mosses  that  come  under 
Division  B,  but  the  fruit  is  always  lateral  and  the 
stems  are  usually  much  branched. 

If  a  moss  has  more  than  one  habitat  it  is  placed  in 
the  Keys  under  more  than  one  head;  for  instance,  under 
"Plants  growing  on  the  ground"  and  ''Plants  growing 
on  rocks,"  etc. 

Leaves  of  moist  plants  are  described.  In  Division  A, 
when  the  leaves  are  so  small  that  the  relative  shape 
cannot  be  estimated,  the  mosses  are  classed  under 
''Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen."  If  the 


THE   KEYS   EXPLAINED  25 

leaves  are  large  enough  to  show  the  entire  outline  when 
the  plants  are  held  to  the  light,  the  mosses  are  placed 
under  the  next  corresponding  head,  ''Shape  of  leaves 
when  moist  easily  seen."  In  Division  B  the  mosses  are 
divided  a  little  differently,  as  the  leaves  vary  less  in 
shape  and  in  many  cases  the  entire  outline  is  not  so 
necessary  in  determining  the  genera.  When  the  leaves 
are  large  enough  to  show  whether  they  are  straight  or 
curved,  the  mosses  are  placed  under  ''Leaves  when 
moist  easily  seen  " ;  when  the  leaves  are  too  small  or  too 
closely  folded  to  show  this  characteristic,  the  mosses 
are  placed  under  "Leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen." 
In  both  the  Leaf  Key  and  the  Capsule  Key  the  posi- 
tion and  the  shape  of  the  capsule  that  are  given  are 
always  those  of  the  fully  developed  fruit.  In  order  to 
recognize  when  the  capsule  is  mature  see  chapter  on 
"Capsules  "  (p.  20). 


f 


HOW  TO  USE  THE  KEYS 

Suppose  we  have  collected  in  late  spring  or  eariy 
summer  a  moss  growing  on  dry  soil,  abundantly  fruit- 
ing and  conspicuous  for  the  dark-red  fruit-stalks  and 
capsules.  After  soaking  a  piece  of  the  specimen  in 
water  for  a  few  minutes,  keeping  the  re- 
maining part  dry,  and  separating  some 
of  the  moistened  individual  plants,  we 
find  they  look  like  these. 

Let  us  use  the  Leaf  Key  first.  We 
find  that  there  are  two  main  divi- 
sions, A  and  B.  Under  Division  A  we 
read,  ''Fruit  at  the  apex  of  the  stem  or  of  a  well- 
developed  branch,  sometimes  appearing  lateral  by 
the  new  growth  of  the  plant.  Stems  generally  erect, 
and  often  not  branched;  or,  if  slightly  branched  by 
forking,  usually  with  not  more  than  two  or  three 
branches."  Under  Division  B  we  read,  ''Fruit  on  the 
side  of  the  stem  or  on  a  very  short  lateral  branch. 
Stems  prostrate  or  ascending,  rarely  erect,  usually 
much  branched  (with  more  than  two  or  three 
branches.)"  We  examine  our  plants  and  find  that  the 
stems  are  erect  with  only  one  or  two  branches.  The 
fruit  on  one  of  the  plants  is  terminal  and  on  the  other 
two  it  appears  lateral,  but  as  the  growth  above  the 
point  where  the  fruit-stalk  is  attached  to  the  stem  is 


HOW  TO   USE  THE  KEYS  27 

lighter  green  than  that  below,  we  decide  that  it  must 
be  the  new  growth  of  the  plant  and  that  the  fruit  was 
at  first  at  the  tip  of  the  stem.  We  place  our  plant 
under  Division  A  because  the  erect  stems  only  a  Httle 
branched,  even  without  the  fruit,  bring  it  there.  We 
found  the  moss  growing  on  the  ground.  Under  ''Plants 
growing  on  the  ground"  we  find:  "I.  Shape  of  leaves 
when  moist  not  easily  seen"  and  "II.  Shape  of  leaves 
when  moist  easily  seen."  The  note  states  that  the 
leaves  must  be  seen  well  enough  to  estimate  their  rela- 
tive shape.  By  holding  our  moist  specimens  to  the 
light  or  laying  them  on  something  white,  we  note  that 
most  of  the  leaves  though  small  are  easily  seen  to  be 
long  and  narrow.  Our  plant  comes,  then,  under  "II. 
Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.  a.  Leaves  long 
and  narrow."  The  next  headings  are,  "Stems  one-half 
inch  long  or  less"  and  "Stems  more  than  one-half  inch 
long."  The  stems  of  our  plant  are  not  more  than  one- 
half  inch  long,  so  we  place  it  under  the  first  of  these 
heads.  The  next  divisions  are,  "Leaves  hair-like 
throughout"  and  "Leaves  broader,  sometimes  ending 
in  a  hair-like  tip."  The  leaves  of  our  plant  look  hair-like 
throughout,  so  we  read  further  under  this  head,  "  Cap- 
sule erect"  and  "Capsule  not  erect."  The  capsules  of 
our  plant  are  not  erect,  so  we  follow  the  second  heading 
to  the  right  and  come  to  the  genus  numbers  i,  2,  4,  6, 
7,  8,  26,  36.  Turning  to  the  "List  of  Genera"  (p.  70), 
we  are  referred  to  the  page  where  each  genus  is  de- 
scribed and  illustrated.    Turning  to  number  i.  Trema- 


28         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

todon,  we  see  that  two  of  the  conspicuous  character- 
istics in  italics  are  ''seta  greenish-yellow"  and  ''cap- 
sule with  a  long  neck."  As  the  seta  of  the  plant  we 
are  studying  is  not  yellow  and  the  illustration  of  the 
capsule  does  not  look  like  the  capsule  of  our  plant,  we 
pass  to  the  next  genus  number  and  turn  to  the  descrip- 
tion. 2.  Ditrichum,  we  read,  has  one  species  with  hair- 
like leaves,  and  a  capsule  that  is  sometimes  incHned, 
but  the  seta  is  again  yellow  and  the  leaves  in  the  illus- 
tration are  much  longer  than  those  on  our  plant,  so  we 
pass  to  the  next  description  —  4-.  Ceratodon.  Here  the 
description  and  illustration  correspond  perfectly  to  our 
specimen.  However,  to  make  sure,  we  glance  at  the 
illustrations  of  the  remaining  numbers.  6.  Dicranella 
has  leaves  turned  to  one  side,  unHke  the  leaves  of  our 
plant.  7.  Oncophorus  has  leaves  crisped  when  dry, 
while  the  leaves  of  our  dry  specimen  fold  straight 
against  the  stem.  8.  Dicranum  has  leaves  usually 
turned  to  one  side.  The  illustration  of  the  capsule  of 
the  two  remaining  genera,  26.  Leptohryum  and  36. 
Webera,  are  so  different  from  the  capsule  of  the  moss 
we  are  studying  that  we  feel  reasonably  sure  that  the 
plant  under  consideration  is  number  4.  Ceratodon. 

Although  in  every  instance  it  is  safer  to  study 
fruited  specimens,  about  fifty  per  cent  of  the  common 
genera  can  be  identified  without  the  aid  of  the  capsule 
if  sufficient  care  is  taken.  An  illustration  to  show  what 
can  be  done  with  a  sterile  moss  is  here  given. 


HOW  TO   USE   THE   KEYS  29 

The  moss  used  in  the  foregoing  illustration  will  serve 
as  an  example.  Going  back  to  the  beginning  of  the  Key, 
we  find  that  the  capsule  did  not  come  under  consider- 
ation until  we  had  placed  our  specimen  under  *'IL 
a.,"  and  further,  under  ''Stems  one-half  inch  long  or 
less,"  ''Leaves  hair-like  throughout."  Now,  suppose 
we  have  no  capsule  to  aid  us  and  we  cannot  tell  whether 
the  plant  belongs  under  "Capsule  erect"  or  "Capsule 
not  erect."  We  must  look  up  all  the  genera  coming 
under  both  these  heads,  which  are  1,2,  3,  4,  6,  7,  8,  11, 
15,  26,  36,  38,  and  compare  with  our  moss  the  illustra- 
tions and  descriptions,  especially  the  characteristics  in 
italics,  but  omit  all  reference  to  seta  and  capsule,  i. 
Trematodon  we  throw  out  because  the  illustration 
shows  the  leaves  much  longer  than  those  of  our  plant, 
and  it  grows  on  damp  soil,  whereas  we  found  our  plant 
on  dry  soil.  2.  Ditrichum  in  one  case  has  leaves  too 
small  to  be  seen  easily  and  in  the  other  species  they  are 
again  too  long.  3.  Saelania  occurs  especially  in  lime- 
stone regions,  and  the  leaves  are  bluish-green,  while 
those  of  our  moss  are  a  rather  dark  green.  4.  Ccratodon 
corresponds  in  both  illustration  and  description  to  our 
specimen,  but  to  make  sure  that  we  are  not  mistaken 
we  look  through  the  rest  of  the  genera.  6.  Dicranella 
we  discard  because  the  leaves  turn  to  one  side.  7. 
Oncophoriis  we  discard  because  the  leaves  are  too  long 
and  become  crisped  in  drying,  while  those  of  our  plant 
fold  straight  against  the  stem  when  dry.  8.  Dicranum 
has  leaves  turned  to  one  side.  1 1 .  Wcisia  has  leaves  too 


30  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

long  and  the  plants  are  too  short.  15.  Barhula  is  not 
common  and  the  leaves  are  crisped  when  dry.  26. 
Leptohryum  has  leaves  too  long.  36.  Wehera  has  stems 
too  short  with  longer  leaves.  38.  Georgia  looks  more 
like  our  plant  but  in  reading  the  descriptions  we  find 
that  it  usually  grows  on  decaying  wood  and  less  fre- 
quently on  the  ground;  and  besides,  scattered  among 
the  plants  are  stems  with  larger  leaves  arranged  in  a 
cup-like  cluster  at  the  tip.  We  find  nothing  of  this  kind 
in  our  specimen,  so  this  genus  will  be  discarded,  leaving 
only  4.  Ceratodon  that  agrees  with  our  plant  in  every 
way. 

The  following  is  an  example  of  how  to  use  the  Cap- 
sule Key.  We  will  use  the  same  moss  that  we  used  for 
the  Leaf  Key.  We  have  already  decided  that  the  plant 
belongs  in  Division  A,  under  "Plants  growing  on  the 
ground.'^  The  next  divisions  are,  "I.  Capsule  erect,'' 
and  "n.  Capsule  not  erect."  Our  capsule  is  not  erect. 
Under  this  head  we  find  the  various  shapes  of  capsules 
given.  Turning  to  the  "Illustrations  of  Terms"  (Plate 
IV) ,  we  decide  that  our  capsule  is  cylindrical.  Under 
*' Capsule  cylindrical"  we  come  to  "Leaves  long 
and  narrow"  and  "Leaves  short  and  broad."  In 
using  the  Leaf  Key  we  found  that  the  leaves  of 
our  plant  were  long  and  narrow,  hair-like  through- 
out. Following  this  heading  to  the  right  we  find 
the  genus  numbers  i,  2,  4,  6,  7,  8.  Looking  through 
the  illustrations  and  descriptions  we  find  again  that 


HOW  TO   USE  THE   KEYS  31 

4.  Ceratodon  is  the  only  one  that  corresponds  to  our 
specimen. 

It  will  readily  be  seen  that  when  one  arrives  at  the 
same  genus  number  in  the  Capsule  Key  as  in  the  Leal 
Key  the  determination  is  verified. 


HELPFUL  SUGGESTIONS 

If  in  doubt  what  true  mosses  are,  see  Introduction 
p.  I,  or  use  the  Prehminary  Key,  p.  39. 

When  collecting  mosses  for  determination  it  is  neces- 
sary to  notice  habitat,  that  is,  the  natural  locahty  of 
the  plants.  They  are  found  on  the  ground,  on  rocks,  on 
trees,  on  decaying  wood,  or  in  ponds  and  streams.  In 
spite  of  the  fact  that  earth-covered  rocks  and  rotting 
logs  in  deep,  moist  woods  offer  practically  the  same 
soil  conditions  as  the  ground,  the  mosses  are  divided 
according  to  actual  situation,  for  simplicity  of  arrange- 
ment in  the  Keys.  For  instance,  if  a  moss  is  found  on 
a  rock  that  is  covered  with  soil,  it  is  placed  under 
^'Plants  growing  on  rocks";  or  if  a  moss  is  found  on  a 
piece  of  an  old  log  broken  off  and  lying  on  the  ground, 
it  is  placed  under  '' Plants  growing  on  decaying  wood." 
Notice  the  way  the  plants  are  growing;  whether  the  single 
plants  are  growing  apart  from  each  other,  or  crowded 
together,  with  the  stems  erect,  forming  tufts,  rounded 
cushions,  or  deep  mats  by  prolonging  their  growth  at 
the  tips,  or  whether  the  stems  are  prostrate  and  inter- 
woven, forming  thin  mats  by  continuing  their  growth 
horizontally.  See  chapter  on  "Habit  and  Manner  of 
Growth,"  p.  12. 

Care  must  be  taken  to  gather  whole  plants  and  not 
merely  a  part  of  the  stems.  To  be  sure  the  mosses  are 


HELPFUL  SUGGESTIONS  33 

well  developed,  select  the  hest-looking  growth  for  study, 
the  largest  and  greenest  plants,  and  when  possible 
those  that  are  hearing  fruit.  The  fruit  or  capsule  of  a 
moss  is  the  swollen  spore-case  at  the  end  of  a  slender 
stem  called  the  fruit-stalk  or  seta.  The  capsule  is 
usually  borne  above  the  leafy  plant,  but  sometimes  it 
is  partly  hidden  in  the  surrounding  leaves.  Gather 
generously,  at  least  what  would  be  equal  to  two  square 
inches,  so  as  to  allow  for  breaking  the  plants  when 
separating  them,  to  get  the  average  characteristics 
of  several  plants,  and  to  have  some  plants  moist  and 
others  dry  while  studying  them.  Fold  each  specimen 
in  a  paper  wrapper  by  itself  and  on  the  outside  write 
habitat  ''on  ground"  or  "on  rock,"  etc.,  and  place  and 
date  of  collecting  for  possible  future  reference.  If  the 
plants  are  placed  in  a  tin  box  tightly  covered,  they  will 
keep  their  fresh  condition  for  several  days  and  it  will 
save  moistening  them  for  study,  but  care  must  be 
taken  to  remember  the  habitat  of  each  specimen. 

When  no  fruit  is  found,  the  genus  can  still  be  deter- 
mined in  many  cases  by  studying  the  character  of  the 
growth  and  the  leaves,  and  carefully  reading  the  de- 
scriptions of  all  the  mosses  that  come  under  both 
*' Capsule  erect"  and  "Capsule  not  erect."  There  are 
some  mosses  that  cannot  be  definitely  named  without 
the  aid  of  the  capsule.  When  this  is  the  case,  it  will  be 
mentioned  in  the  descriptions  of  the  genera.  When  in 
doubt  where  to  place  a  sterile  moss  that  is  somewhat 
branched,  try  it  under  both  Division  A  and  Division  B. 


34  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Carefully  separate  a  few  single  plants  in  order  to  see 
the  length  of  the  stems,  the  average  character  of  the 
leaves,  and  the  manner  of  branching.  It  is  not  always 
easy  to  do  this  without  breaking  the  stems,  especially 
if  one  has  no  tweezers  for  the  work.  Fingers  at  best 
are  clumsy  instruments  in  handling  the  smallest 
mosses;  possibly  a  wire  hairpin  would  be  of  some  as- 
sistance. Sometimes  two  or  more  kinds  of  mosses  will 
be  found  growing  together.  If  the  leaves  or  the  general 
characters  are  plainly  different,  the  student  will  readily 
notice  that  he  has  collected  more  than  one  species. 
But  it  sometimes  happens  that  an  apparently  good 
fruited  specimen  is  one  sterile  moss  growing  on  top  of 
another  moss  that  is  fruited,  and  that  the  fruit-stalks 
are  really  attached  to  the  moss  growing  underneath, 
although  they  have  pushed  up  through  the  conspicuous 
growth  on  the  surface.  To  avoid  making  a  mistake  in 
such  a  case,  always  follow  the  fruit-stalk  down  to  the 
stem  on  which  it  is  growing  and  carefully  pull  out  as 
long  a  piece  of  the  stem  as  possible,  and  compare  it 
with  the  rest  of  the  specimen.  When  stems  with 
numerous  branches  are  closely  interwoven,  no  very 
great  length  can  be  separated  and  one  must  get  the 
average  characteristics  from  several  small  pieces. 

Examine  moist  plants.  If  mosses  are  collected  in  a  dry 
condition,  they  must  be  moistened  for  study,  as  other- 
wise leaves  that  can  be  easily  seen  when  the  plants 
are  moist  may  be  so  closely  folded  against  the  stera 
when  dry  that  they  will  not  be  noticed.  For  instance, 


HELPFUL  SUGGESTIONS  35 

the  leaves  of  Pogonatum  hrevicaide  (p.  i6i)  are  long  and 
narrow,  easily  seen  when  moist,  though  few  in  num?jer, 
but  when  dry  they  fold  against  the  stem  and  one  is 
liable  to  overlook  them  and  misplace  the  moss  under 
*' Leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen."  Mosses  may 
remain  dry  for  an  indefinite  period  and  then  can  be 
restored  to  fresh  conditions  by  being  placed  in  water. 
Quickest  results  can  be  obtained  by  using  hot  water. 
This  process  of  reviving  dried  mosses  may  be  repeated 
as  often  as  required,  without  injury  to  the  plants. 
When  the  leaves  have  fully  expanded,  remove  the 
plants  from  the  water  and  absorb  the  extra  moisture 
with  soft  linen.  The  leaves  of  a  few  species  dry  so 
quickly  that  it  may  be  necessary  to  replace  the  plants 
in  water  two  or  three  times  while  studying  them.  If 
plants  are  allowed  to  remain  in  water  for  a  number  of 
days,  the  leaves  and  capsules  lose  their  natural  color 
and  turn  dark. 

To  dry  mosses,  separate  the  individual  plants  and 
place  them  in  sunKght  or  merely  expose  them  to  dry 
air.  In  case  they  do  not  dry  readily,  a  Httle  artificial 
heat  may  be  used  by  taking  the  plants  in  a  pair  of 
tweezers  or  between  the  ends  of  a  wire  hairpin,  or  by 
placing  them  on  a  piece  of  paper  and  holding  tliem 
near  a  light  or  over  some  source  of  heat;  but  if  too 
much  artificial  heat  is  used,  making  the  leaves  dry  too 
quickly,  they  do  not  come  into  the  characteristic  dried 
condition.  Pressure  should  not  be  used  for  naturally 
dried  plants. 


36  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

To  see  the  shape  of  the  leaves  or  the  color  of  the  stem, 
hold  the  plants  to  the  Hght  or  in  strong  light,  or  against 
something  white.  The  leaves  that  are  best  developed 
are  usually  along  the  middle  part  of  the  stem.  If  the 
leaves  conceal  the  stem  too  much,  strip  them  off  by 
drawing  the  stem  from  the  tip  toward  the  base  through 
the  firmly  pressed  tips  of  thumb  and  finger.  Red  stems 
usually  show  through  the  leaves. 

Do  not  mistake  branches  for  leaves.  As  the  leaves  of 
mosses  are  so  much  smaller  than  those  of  other  plants 
and  the  branches  are  often  more  conspicuous  than  the 
leaves,  care  must  be  taken  to  avoid  this  mistake. 
When  the  plants  are  held  to  the  light,  in  most  cases 
the  leaves,  or  at  least  the  leaf -tips,  can  be  seen  stick- 
ing out  around  the  stem  and  the  branches.  If  the 
leaves  are  too  small  to  be  seen,  the  cylindrical  appear- 
ance of  the  branches  and  their  arrangement  on  the 
stem  should  be  sufficient  to  distinguish  them  from 
leaves.   (See  Plates  II,  III.) 

//  in  doubt  about  the  length  of  the  stem  or  the  shape  of 
the  leaves,  try  the  moss  under  each  head.  The  length 
of  the  longest  stems  is  given  and  the  characteristics  of 
the  largest  leaves.  To  see  these,  examine  several  indi- 
vidual plants. 

When  estimating  the  length  of  the  stem,  do  not  include 
the  fruit-stalk.  The  length  that  is  given  is  measured 
from  the  rootlets  only  through  the  leafy  portion  and 
does  not  include  the  seta.  (See  ''Illustrations  of 
Terms,"  Plate  I,  Fig.  i.) 


/ 


HELPFUL  SUGGESTIONS  37 

When  considering  the  shape  and  position  of  the  cap- 
sule, do  not  include  the  operculum.  (See  "Illustrations 
of  Terms,"  Plate  IV.)  The  operculum  is  the  hd  that 
covers  the  mouth  of  the  capsule.  It  drops  off  natu- 
rally when  the  spores  are  mature,  and  sometimes  be- 
fore this  takes  place,  it  is  loose  enough  to  be  easily 
removed  with  tweezers  or  fingers. 

Do  not  he  alarmed  at  a  long  list  of  genus  nujnhers. 
A  glance  at  the  illustration  of  each  genus  will  show 
whether  it  is  necessary  to  read  the  entire  description. 
Always  carefully  read  it  if  there  is  any  doubt  about 
the  illustration  being  like  the  moss  in  question. 

Every  point  in  the  Keys  and  in  the  descriptions  is 
important.  Follow  the  Keys  carefully  and  study  the 
descriptions  thoroughly.  A  specimen  must  correspond 
in  every  point  to  its  description.  Care  must  be  taken 
to  gather  normal  plants.  The  beginner  at  times  will 
not  do  this.  Puzzling  variations  may  be  found  in 
mosses  as  in  other  plants  and  also  in  animals.  But  one 
ought  not  to  think  that  every  doubtful  case  is  one  of 
these  abnormal  growths,  for  it  may  be  due  to  some 
imperfect  use  of  the  Keys  or  descriptions  caused  by 
overlooking  some  detail.  When  a  moss  has  no  definite 
character  and  the  fruit  is  lacking,  one  may  be  in  doubt 
where  to  place  it  even  after  careful  comparison  with 
the  illustrations  and  descriptions.  In  this  case,  one 
must  sometimes  wait  until  fruited  plants  are  found,  or 
possibly  a  compound  microscope  and  technical  books 
are  necessary.  A  troublesome  specimen  can  usually  be 


38  HOW  TO   KNOW   THE   MOSSES 

placed  in  its  family  if  not  in  the  exact  genus.  It  is 
well  when  possible  to  verify  one's  determinations  by 
comparing  the  specimens  with  authentic  material, 
which  can  generally  be  found  in  Museums  of  Natural 
History. 


KEY    TO    DISTINGUISH    MOSSES    FROM 
COMMON  HEPATICS  AND  LICHENS 

Note.  When  one  is  in  doubt  what  arc  mosses,  the  following  Key  should  be 
used  before  trying  the  Leaf  Key  or  Capsule  Key,  as  hepatics  and  lichens  are 
sometimes  collected  for  mosses.  (See  illustrations  of  lichens  and  hepatics, 
pp.  4,  7;  also  illustrations  of  mosses  throughout  the  book.) 

Plants  growing  flat  without  stem  or  leaves  ^ 

Plants  usually  dark  green  ....  Hepatics  (Marchantiales) , 

p.  7. 
Plants  usually  some  shade  of  gray,  or  if  green  when  moist, 

becoming  gray  when  dry,  sometimes  brown  or  orange 

....  Lichens,  p.  4. 

Plants  erect,  ascending,  prostrate,  or  hanging  from 

trees;  with  a  true  stem  or,  in  lichens, 

apparently  having  a  stem 

Stems  without  leaves ;  ^  usually  some  shade  of  gray,  or  if 
green  when  moist,  becoming  gray  when  dry  .... 
Lichens,  p.  4. 

^  The  plant-body  of  some  hepatics  belonging  to  the  Marchantidcs  is  like  a 
broad,  flat  leaf,  sometimes  elongated,  often  with  a  midrib,  and  usually 
branched  by  forking.  A  very  young  plant  may  resemble  two  or  three  leaves, 
but  no  distinct  stem  will  be  found  and  the  apparent  leaves  will  not  be  ar- 
ranged in  two  opposite  rows  or  around  a  stem,  as  in  the  leafy  hepatics  {Junger' 
mannialcs)  or  the  mosses  coming  under  the  next  head. 

2  The  short  branches  of  certain  lichens  may  be  mistaken  for  leaves.  The 
leaves  of  the  hepatics  and  mosses  coming  under  the  next  head  are  flat  and 
thin,  while  the  branches  of  lichens  are  round.  When  in  doubt  what  are  leaves, 
the  color  of  the  plants  is  usually  a  safe  guide.  Lichens  when  ilry  are  more 
gray  than  green  and  are  very  stitT  and  brittle.  Hepatics  and  mosses  are  more 
a  foliage-green  and  do  not  dry  gray  or  become  as  still  and  brittle. 


40  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Stems  with  leaves  always  some  shade  of  green,  never  gray. 
Leaves  arranged  in  two  opposite  rows,  rounded,  lobed,  or 
cleft,  often  curved  under  at  tips,  usually  dark  green; 
midrib  absent;  under  or  back  side  of  stem  toward 
which  leaves  curl  sometimes  bearing  what  appear  to 
be  rootlets  ....  Hepatics  {Jungermanniales  or  Scale 
Mosses),  p.  6. 
Leaves  usually  arranged  equally  around  stem  (in  only 
two  rows  in  Fissidens,  p.  97),  sometimes  flattened  on 
two  opposite  sides  of  stem,  never  lobed  or  cleft  and 
when  rounded  not  curved  under  at  tips,  varying  from 
light  to  dark  green;  midrib  present  or  absent,  rarely 
seen  without  a  lens. 

Plants  usually  growing  in  bogs  or  very  wet  places; 
stems  erect,  much  branched  (branches  at  tip  of 
stem  forming  a  thick  head) ;  leaves  usually  light, 
green  or  tinged  with  red  ....  Sphagnum  or  Peat 
Moss,  p.  73. 
Plants  growing  on  rocks  in  mountainous  regions; 
stems  erect,  short  and  inconspicuous;  leaves  very 
dark,  almost  black  ....  Andre aea,  p.  75. 
Plants  growing  in  all  sorts  of  places,  on  wet  or  dry 
ground,  rocks,  trees,  decaying  wood,  and  in 
streams  or  ponds. 

Stems  generally  erect,  and  often  not  branched; 
or  if  slightly  branched  by  forking,  usually  with 
not  more  than  two  or  three  branches;  fruit 
at  apex  of  stem  or  of  well  developed  branch, 
sometimes  appearing  lateral  by  new  growth 
of  plant  ....  Acrocarpous  Mosses,  p.  77. 
Stems  prostrate  or  ascending,  rarely  erect, 
usually  much  branched  (with  more  than  two 
or  three  branches) ;  fruit  on  side  of  stem  or 
on  a  very  short  lateral  branch  ....  Pleuro- 
CARPOus  Mosses,  p.  172. 


LEAF  KEY  TO   GENERA 

A.  Fruit  at  the  apex  of  the  stem  or  of  a  well-developed 
branch,  sometimes  appearing  lateral  by  the  new  growth 
of  the  plant.  Stems  generally  erect,  and  often  not 
branched;  or,  if  slightly  branched  by  forking,  usually 
with  not  more  than  two  or  three  branches.^  Acrocar- 
pous Mosses,  p.  77. 

B.  Fruit  on  the  side  of  the  stem  or  on  a  very  short  lateral 
branch.  Stems  prostrate  or  ascending,  rarely  erect, 
usually  much  branched  (with  more  than  two  or  three 
branches).^  Pleiirocarpous  Mosses,  p.  172. 

Note.  In  many  cases  the  genus  can  be  determined  without  the  aid  of 
the  capsule.  When  in  doubt  where  to  place  a  sterile  moss  that  is 
somewhat  branched,  try  it  under  both  Division  A  and  Division  B. 


A 

{Fissidens,  p.  97,  with  fruit  both  terminal  and  lateral  may  be  found  here) 

Plants  growing  on  the  ground 

I.   SHAPE  OF  LEAVES  WHEN   MOIST  NOT   EASILY   SEEN 

(Leaves  too  small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  relatively  long  and 
narrow  or  short  and  broad) 

Stems  one-half  inch  long  or  less. 

Capsule  erect  .  .  .  .  2,  15,  16,  38,  40. 
Capsule  not  erect  ....  25,  28,  34,  37. 

^  For  arrangement  of  branches  sec  "  Illustrations  of  Terms,"  Plate  II. 


42  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

Stems  more  than  one-half  inch  long. 
Capsule  erect  ....  38,  40. 
Capsule  not  erect  ....  34. 

II.   SHAPE  OF  LEAVES  WHEN  MOIST  EASILY  SEEN 
(Leaves  must  be  seen  well  enough  to  estimate  their  relative  shape) 

a.  Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part) 

Stems  one-half  inch  long  or  less. 
Leaves  hair-like  throughout. 

Capsule  erect  ....  2,  3,  6,  8,  11,  15,  36,  38. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  i,  2,  4,  6,  7,  8,  26,  :i^6. 
Leaves  broader,  sometimes  ending  in  a  hair-like  tip. 

Capsule  erect  ....  8,  13,  39,  40,  41. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  8,  9,  27,  29,  39,  41. 
Stems  more  than  one-half  inch  long. 
Leaves  hair-like  throughout. 

Capsule  erect  ....  3,  6,  38. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  4,  6,  7,  8,  26,  32,  33,  34. 
Leaves  broader,  sometimes  ending  in  a  hair-like  tip. 

Capsule  erect  ....  8,  13,  39,  40,  41. 

Capsule  not  erect 8,  9,  27,  28,  30,  31,  35,  39,  41. 

h.  Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part) 

Stems  one-half  inch  long  or  less. 

Capsule  erect  ....  10,  16,  18,  24. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  10,  25,  28,  30. 
Stems  more  than  one-half  inch  long.^ 

Capsule  erect  ....  10,  18. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  10,  28,  29,  30,  31. 

^  If  No.  63  has  been  mistaken  for  an  acrocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 


LEAF   KEY  43 


Plants  growing  on  rocks,  bricks,  mortar,  etc. 

I.   SHAPE  OF  LEAVES  WHEN   MOIST   NOT  EASILY   SEEN 

(Leave?  too  small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  relatively  long  and 
narrow  or  short  and  broad) 

Stems  one-half  inch  long  or  Icss.^ 

Capsule  erect  ....  2,  22,  23. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  25,  28,  34. 
Stems  more  than  one-half  inch  long.^ 

Capsule  erect  ....  21,  22,  23. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  28,  34. 


IT.   SHAPE   OF  LEAVES  WHEN   MOIST  EASILY   SEEN 
(Leaves  must  be  seen  well  enough  to  estimate  their  relative  shape) 

a.  Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part) 

Stems  one-half  inch  long  or  less. 
Leaves  hair-like  throughout.^ 

Capsule  erect  ....  3,  6,  8,  12,  14. 
Capsule  not  erect  ....  4,  6,  7,  8,  26,  34. 
Leaves  broader,  sometimes  ending  in  a  hair-like  tip. 
Capsule  partly  concealed  by  leaves  ....  19. 
Capsule  not  concealed. 
Capsule  erect  ....  8,  22,  23,  41. 
Capsule  not  erect  ....  8,  9,  27,  28,  30,  41. 
Stems  more  than  one-half  inch  long. 
Leaves  hair-like  throughout.^ 

Capsule  erect  ....  3,  5,  6,  8,  12,  14. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  4,  6,  7,  8,  26,  32,  S3,  34- 

^  See  AnJrcaca,  p.  75. 


44  HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Leaves  broader,  sometimes  ending  in  a  hair-like  tip. 
Capsule  partly  concealed  by  leaves  ....  19. 
Capsule  not  concealed. 

Capsule  erect  ....  8,  13,  22,  23,  41. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  8,  9,  27,  28,  30,  41. 

b.  Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part) 

Stems  one-half  inch  long  or  less. 

Capsule  erect  ....  10,  15,  18,  21. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  10,  25,  28. 
Stems  more  than  one-half  inch  long. 

Capsule  erect  ....  10,  17,  18,  20. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  28,  29,  30. 


Plants  growing  on  roots  or  trunks  of  trees 

I.  SHAPE  OF  LEAVES  WHEN  MOIST  NOT  EASILY  SEEN 

(Leaves  too  small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  relatively  long  and 
narrow  or  short  and  broad) 

Stems  one-half  inch  long  or  less;  capsule  erect  ....  22 
Stems  more  than  one-half  inch  long;  capsule  erect .... 

21,  22. 

II.  SHAPE  OF  LEAVES  WHEN  MOIST  EASILY  SEEN 
(Leaves  must  be  seen  well  enough  to  estimate  their  relative  shape) 

a.  Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part) 

Stems  one-half  inch  long  or  less;  capsule  erect  .... 

8,  13,  22,  23. 
Stems  more  than  one-half  inch  long;  capsule  erect .... 

8,  22,  23. 


LEAF  KEY  45 

b.  Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part) 

Stems  one-half  inch  long  or  less. 

Capsule  erect  ....  10,  17. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  10,  30. 
Stems  more  than  one-half  inch  long. 

Capsule  erect  ....  10,  21. 

Capsule  not  erect  .  .  .  .  10,  30,  31. 


Plants  growing  on  decaying  wood,  as  old  logs,  stumps,  etc. 

I.   SHAPE  OF  LEAVES  WHEN   MOIST  NOT  EASILY   SEEN 

(Leaves  too  small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  relatively  long  and 
narrow  or  short  and  broad) 

Stems  one-half  inch  long  or  less. 

Capsule  erect  ....  38. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  28. 
Stems  more  than  one-half  inch  long. 

Capsule  erect  ....  38. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  28. 


II.    SHAPE   OF   LEAVES   WHEN   MOIST   EASILY   SEEN 
(Leaves  must  be  seen  well  enough  to  estimate  their  relative  shape) 

a.  Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part) 

Stems  one-half  inch  long  or  less. 
Leaves  hair-like  throughout. 

Capsule  erect  ....  6,  8,  38. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  4,  6,  7,  26. 
Leaves  broader,  sometimes  ending  in  a  hair-like  tip. 

Capsule  erect  ....  8,  38,  40,  41. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  8,  27,  28,  41. 


46  HOW  TO   KNOW   THE   MOSSES 

Stems  more  than  one-half  inch  long. 
Leaves  hair-like  throughout. 

Capsule  erect  ....  6,  8,  38. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  4,  6,  7,  8,  26. 
Leaves  broader,  sometimes  ending  in  a  hair-like  tip. 

Capsule  erect  ....  8,  38,  41. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  8,  27,  28,  41. 

b.  Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part) 

Stems  one-half  inch  long  or  less;  capsule  not  erect  .... 

28,  30. 
Stems  more  than  one-half  inch  long;  capsule  not  erect.  .  .  . 

28,  29,  30. 

B 

Fruit  on  the  side  of  the  stem  or  on  a  very  short  lateral 
branch.  Stems  prostrate  or  ascending,  rarely  erect,  usu- 
ally much  branched  (with  more  than  two  or  three 
branches).-^   Pleurocarpous  mosses. 

Note.  In  many  cases  the  genus  can  be  determined  without  the  aid  of  the 
capsule.  When  in  doubt  where  to  place  a  sterile  moss  that  is  somewhat 
branched,  try  it  under  both  Division  A  and  Division  B. 


Plants  growing  on  the  ground 

I.  LEAVES  WHEN  MOIST  NOT  EASILY  SEEN 
(Leaves  too  small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  straight  or  curved) 

Stems  pinnately  branched;  capsule  not  erect  .... 

57,  58,  71- 
Stems  bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched;  capsule  not 
erect  ....  57,  68. 

1  For  arrangement  of  branches  see  "Illustrations  of  Terms,"  Plate  II. 


LEAF   KEY  47 


Stems  irregularly  branched.^ 

Capsule  erect 50,  53,  75. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  59,  71,  79. 


II.  LEAVES  WHEN  MOIST  EASILY  SEEN 

(It  is  necessary  only  to  see  if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire 
outline  need  not  show) 

Stems  pinnately  branched. 
Leaves  straight;  capsule  not  erect  .... 

57,58,64,66,67,  68,  69,  71,  74. 
Leaves  curved;  capsule  not  erect  ....  62,  66,  70,  71. 
Stems  bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched ;  leaves  straight ; 

capsule  not  erect  ....  68. 
Stems  tree-like  in  branching;  leaves  straight;  capsule  erect 

45- 

Stems  irregularly  branched. 
Leaves  apparently  on  two  opposite  sides  of  the  stem.^ 
Leaves  straight;  capsule  not  erect  ....  72,  73,  75,  80. 
Leaves  curved;  capsule  not  erect  ....  71. 
Leaves  turned  to  one  side,^  more  or  less  curved. 
Capsule  erect  ....  44. 
Capsule  not  erect  ....  44,  62,  71. 
Leaves  arranged  equally  around  stem,  straight. 
Leaves  wide-spreading ;  capsule  not  erect  .... 

59,  61,  63,  64,  67,  73,  75,  78. 
Leaves  not  wide-spreading.^ 
Capsule  erect  ....  44,  50.  75. 
Capsule  not  erect  .  .  .  .  44,  58,  61,  71,  74,  75,  76,  79. 

^  If  No.  34  has  been  mistaken  for  a  plcurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 

2  If  No.  31  has  been  mistaken  for  a  plcurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 


48  HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Plants  growing  on  rocks,  sticks,  etc.  in  or  at  the  edge  of 
streams,  ponds,  or  water-holes 

I.  LEAVES  WHEN  MOIST  NOT  EASILY  SEEN 
(Leaves  too  small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  straight  or  curved) 

Stems  less  than  three  inches  long;  irregularly  branched; 
capsule  not  erect  ....  79. 

II.  LEAVES  WHEN  MOIST  EASILY  SEEN 

(It  is  necessary  only  to  see  if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire 
outline  need  not  show) 

Stems  less  than  three  inches  long. 
Stems  tree-like  in  branching;  leaves  straight;  capsule 

erect ....  45. 
Stems  irregularly  branched. 

Leaves  straight,  erect  or  spreading.'- 
Capsule  erect ....  44. 

Capsule  not  erect ....  44,  59,  61,  65,  75,  77,  79. 
Leaves  more  or  less  curved  and  turned  to  one  side. 
Capsule  erect ....  44. 
Capsule  not  erect ....  44,  65. 
Stems  more  than  three  inches  long,  irregularly  branched. 
Leaves  straight,  erect  or  spreading.^ 
Capsule  erect ....  43,  44. 
Capsule  not  erect  ....  44,  59,  65. 
Leaves  more  or  less  curved,  sometimes  turned  to  one 
side. 
Capsule  erect ....  44. 
Capsule  not  erect  ....  44,  62,  65. 

1  If  No.  19  has  been  mistaken  for  a  pleurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 


LEAF   KEY  49 

Plants  growing  on  rocks  not  in  streams,  ponds,  or 
water-holes 

I.  LEAVES  WHEN  MOIST  NOT  EASILY  SEEN 
(Leaves  too  small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  straight  or  curved) 

Stems  pinnately  branched;  capsule  not  erect  ....  57,  71. 
Stems  bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched;  capsule  not 

erect  ....  57,  68. 
Stems  irregularly  branched.^  ^  ^ 

Capsule  erect 50,  53,  54,  55,  56. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  59,  60,  71,  75,  79. 

II.  LEAVES  WHEN  MOIST  EASILY  SEEN 

(It  is  necessary  only  to  sec  if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire 
outline  need  not  show) 

Stems  pinnately  branched. 
Leaves  straight;  capsule  not  erect  .... 

57,  66,  67,  68,  69,  71. 
Leaves  curved;  capsule  not  erect  ....  62,  66,  70,  71. 
Stems  bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched ;  leaves  straight ; 

capsule  not  erect ....   68. 
Stems  somewhat  tree-like  in  branching;  leaves  straight; 

capsule  not  erect  ....  49. 
Stems  irregularly  branched.^  ^  ^ 

Leaves  apparently  on  two  opposite  sides  of  stem. 
Leaves  straight. 

Capsule  erect  ....  48,  55. 
Capsule  not  erect  ....  72,  73. 
Leaves  curved;  capsule  not  erect  ....  71. 

*  If  No.  34  has  been  mistaken  for  a  pleurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 

2  If  No.  19  has  been  mistaken  for  a  pleurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 

■''  If  No.  21  has  been  mistaken  for  a  pleurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 


50  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

Leaves  turned  to  one  side,  curved;  ^  capsule  not  erect 

62,  7I0 

Leaves  arranged  equally  around  stem,  straight. 
Leaves  wide-spreading. 

Capsule  almost  concealed  by  leaves  ....  42. 
Capsule  not  concealed. 
Capsule  erect  ....  54,  56. 
Capsule  not  erect  ....  59,  61,  67,  73,  75,  78. 
Leaves  not  wide-spreading.^  2  3 

Capsule  erect  ....  46,  50,  51,  75. 
Capsule  not  erect  ....  61,  71,  75,  76,  79. 

Plants  growing  on  roots  or  trunks  of  trees 

I.   LEAVES  WHEN  MOIST  NOT  EASILY   SEEN 
(Leaves  too  small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  straight  or  curved) 

Stems  irregularly  or  rarely  pinnately  branched.^ 
Capsules  erect  ....  50,  51,  52,  53,  55,  56. 
Capsule  not  erect  ....  59,  60,  68,  71,  75. 

Stems  bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched;  capsule  not 
erect ....  68. 

II.   LEAVES  WHEN  MOIST  EASILY  SEEN 

(It  is  necessary  only  to  see  if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire 
outline  need  not  show) 

Stems  pinnately  branched;  capsule  not  erect .... 

68,  69,  70. 
Stems  bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched;  capsule  not 
erect ....  68. 

^  If  No.  34  has  been  mistaken  for  a  pleurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 

2  If  No.  19  has  been  mistaken  for  a  pleurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 

'  If  No.  21  has  been  mistaken  for  a  pleurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 


LEAF   KEY  51 

Stems  irregularly  or  rarely  pinnalcly  branched. 
Leaves  apparently  on  two  opposite  sides  of  stem.^ 
Leaves  straight. 

Capsule  partly  concealed  by  leaves  ....  47. 
Capsule  not  concealed. 
Capsule  erect  ....  48,  55. 
Cai)sule  not  erect  ....  80. 
Leaves  curved;  capsule  not  erect  ....  71. 
Leaves  turned  to  one  side,  curved;  capsule  erect  ....  52. 
Leaves  arranged  equally  around  stem,  straight.- 

Capsule  erect 46,  50,  51,  52,  56,  75. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  75,  78. 


Plants  growing  on  decaying  wood,  as  old  logs, 
stumps,  etc. 

I.   LEAVES  WHEN   MOIST  NOT  EASILY   SEEN 
(Leaves  too  small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  straight  or  curved) 

Stems  pinnately  branched. 

Capsule  erect  ....  51,  52. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  71. 
Stems  bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched;  capsule  not 

erect  ....  57,  68. 
Stems  irregularly  branched. 

Capsule  erect ....  50,  51,  52,  53,  56. 

Capsule  not  erect  .  .  .  .  59,  71,  75. 

^  If  No.  31  has  been  mistaken  for  a  plcurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belonj;  here. 

'  If  No.  21  has  been  mistaken  for  a  plcurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 


52 


HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


II.  LEAVES  WHEN  MOIST  EASILY  SEEN 

(It  is  necessary  only  to  see  if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire 
outhne  need  not  show) 

Stems  pinnately  branched. 
Leaves  straight. 

Capsule  erect  ....  51,  52. 
Capsule  not  erect  ....  67,  68,  69,  71. 
Leaves  curved. 

Capsule  erect  ....  52. 
Capsule  not  erect  .  .  .  .  62,  70,  71. 
Stems  bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched;  leaves  straight; 

capsule  not  erect  ....  68. 
Stems  irregularly  branched. 
Leaves  apparently  on  two  opposite  sides  of  stem. 
Leaves  straight;  capsule  not  erect  ....  72,  73,  75,  80. 
Leaves  curved;  capsule  not  erect  ....  71. 
Leaves  turned  to  one  side,  curved. 
Capsule  erect  ....  52. 
Capsule  not  erect  ....  62. 
Leaves  arranged  equally  around  stem,  straight. 
Leaves  wide-spreading. 
Capsule  erect  ....  51,  52. 
Capsule  not  erect ....  67,  73,  75,  78. 
Leaves  not  wide-spreading. 
Capsule  erect  ....  50,  75. 
Capsule  not  erect 7ij  75- 


Scale 


Inches 


Millimeters 


10      15      20     25      30     35      40     45      60     55      60      65      70     75 


CAPSULE  KEY  TO   GENERA 

A.  Fruit  at  the  apex  of  the  stem  or  of  a  well  developed 
branch,  sometimes  appearing  lateral  by  the  new  growth 
of  the  plant.  Stems  generally  erect,  and  often  not 
branched;  or  if  slightly  branched  by  forking,  usually 
with  not  more  than  two  or  three  branches.^  Acrocar- 
pous Mosses,  p.  77. 

B.  Fruit  on  the  side  of  the  stem  or  on  a  very  short  lateral 
branch.  Stems  prostrate  or  ascending,  rarely  erect, 
usually  much  branched  (with  more  than  two  or  three 
branches^)  Pleurocarpous  Mosses,  p.  172. 

Note.  When   in    doubt  where   to  place  a  moss   that  is  somewhat 
branched,  try  it  under  both  Division  A  and  Division  B. 

A 

{Fissidens,  p.  97,  with  fruit  both  terminal  and  lateral  may  be  found  here) 

Plants  growing  on  the  ground 

I.   CAPSULE    ERECT 
a.  Capsule  cylindrical 

Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen.  (Leaves  too 
small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  rela- 
tively long  and  narrow  or  short  and  broad)  .... 

2,  15,  s^,  40. 

^  For  arrangement  of  branches  sec  "Illustrations  of  Terms,"  Plate  II. 


54  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.    (Leaves  must  be 

seen  well  enough  to  estimate  their  relative  shape.) 

Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 

than  broadest  part). 

Leaves  hair-like  throughout  ....  2,  3,  6,  8,  ii,  15,  38. 

Leaves  broader,  sometimes  ending  in  a  hair-like  tip 

8,  13,  39,  40,  41. 

Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer  than 
broadest  part)  ....  10,  18. 

b.  Capsule  angular  (four-  to  six-sided) 

Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part)  ....  41. 

c.  Capsule  top-shaped  or  urn-shaped 

Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen.  (Leaves  too 
small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  rela- 
tively long  and  narrow  or  short  and  broad)  ....  16. 

Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.    (Leaves  must  be 
seen  well  enough  to  estimate  their  relative  shape.) 
Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer  than 
broadest  part)  ....  16,  24. 

d.  Capsule  egg-shaped,  pointed 

Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part)  ....  36. 

II.   CAPSULE  NOT  ERECT 
a.  Capsule  cylindrical 

Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part). 
Leaves  hair-like  throughout ....  i,  2,  4,  6,  7,  8. 


CAPSULE   KEY  55 

Leaves  broader,  sometimes  ending  in  a  hair-like  tip 

8,  9,30,31,35,39,41. 

Leaves  short  and  broad  ^  (less  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part)  ....  10,  29,  30,  31. 

b.  Capsule  angular  (four-  to  six-sided) 

Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part)  ....  41. 

c.  Capsule  pear-shaped 

Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen.  (Leaves  too 
small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  rela- 
tively long  and  narrow  or  short  and  broad  .... 

25,  28. 
Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.   (Leaves  must  be 
seen  well  enough  to  estimate  their  relative  shape.) 
Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 

than  broadest  part)  ....  26,  27,  28. 
Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer  than 
broadest  part)  ....  25,  28. 

d.  Capsule  globular 

Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen.    (Leaves  too 
small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  rela- 
tively long  and  narrow  or  short  and  broad)  ....  34. 
Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.  (Leaves  must  be 
seen  well  enough  to  estimate  their  relative  shape.) 
Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 

than  broadest  part)  ....  32,  33. 
Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer  than 
broadest  part)  ....  34. 

1  If  No.  63  has  been  mistaken  for  an  acrocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 


56  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

e.  Capsule  egg-shaped,  pointed 

Leaves  absent  ....  37. 

Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part)  ....  36. 

Plants  growing  on  rocks,  bricks,  mortar,  etc. 

I.   CAPSULE  ERECT 
a.  Capsule  cylindrical 

Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen.  (Leaves  too 
small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  rela- 
tively long  and  narrow  or  short  and  broad)  .... 

2,  22,  23. 
Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.   (Leaves  must  be 
seen  well  enough  to  estimate  their  relative  shape.) 
Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part). 
Leaves  hair-like  throughout  ....  3,  5,  6,  8,  14. 
Leaves  broader,  sometimes  ending  in  a  hair-like  tip 

8,  13,  22,  23,41. 

Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer  than 
broadest  part)  ....  10,  15,  17,  18. 

h.  Capsule  angular  {Jour-  to  six-sided) 

Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part)  .  .  .  .41. 

c.  Capsule  elliptical,  oval,  or  pear-shaped 

Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen,^  (Leaves  too 
small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  rela- 
tively long  and  narrow  or  short  and  broad.) 

1  See  Andreaea,  p.  75- 


CAPSULE   KEY  57 

Capsule  partly  concealed  by  leaves  ....  19. 
Capsule  not  concealed  by  leaves  ....  21. 
Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.  (Leaves  must  be 
seen  well  enough  to  estimate  their  relative  shape.) 
Leaves  long  and  narrow  ^  (more  than  four  times  longer 

than  broadest  part)  ....  12,  iq,  23. 
Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer  than 
broadest  part)  ....  20,  21. 

II.  CAPSULE  NOT  ERECT 

a.  Capsule  cylindrical 

Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part). 
Leaves  hair-like  throughout  ....  4,  6,  7,  8. 
Leaves  broader,  sometimes  ending  in  a  hair-like  tip 

8,  9,  30,  41. 

Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer  than 
broadest  part)  ....  10,  29,  30. 

h.  Capsule  angular  {jour-  to  six-sided) 

Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part)  .  .  .  .41. 

c.  Capsule  pear-shaped 

Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen.  (Leaves  too 
small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  rela- 
tively long  and  narrow  or  short  and  broad.)  .  .  . 

25,  28. 

Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.  (Leaves  must 
be  seen  well  enough  to  estimate  their  relative 
shape.) 

*  See  Andreaea,  p.  75. 


58  HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part). 
Leaves  hair-like  throughout  ....  26. 
Leaves  broader,  sometimes  ending  in  a  hair-like  tip 

....  27,  28. 
Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer  than 
broadest  part)  ....  25,  28. 

d.  Capsule  globular 

Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen.  (Leaves  too 
small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  rela- 
tively long  and  narrow  or  short  and  broad)  ....  34. 
Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.  (Leaves  must  be 
seen  well  enough  to  estimate  their  relative  shape.) 
Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 

than  broadest  part)  ....  32,  33. 
Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer  than 
broadest  part)  ....  34. 


Plants  growing  on  roots  or  trunks  of  trees 

I.  CAPSULE  ERECT 

a.  Capsule  cylindrical 

Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part)  ....  8,  13,  22,  23. 

Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer  than 
broadest  part)  ....  10,  17. 

b.  Capsule  elliptical,  oval,  or  pear-shaped 

Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen.  (Leaves  too  small 
or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  relatively 
long  and  narrow  or  short  and  broad)  ....  21,  22. 


CAPSULE   KEY  59 

Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.  (Leaves  must  be 
seen  well  enough  to  estimate  their  relative  shape.) 

Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part)  ....  22,  23. 

Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer  than 
broadest  part)  ....  21. 

II.  CAPSULE  NOT  ERECT 
Capsule  cylindrical 

Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer  than 
broadest  part)  ....  10,  30,  31. 


Plants  growing  on  decaying  wood,  as  old  logs, 
stumps,  etc. 

I.  CAPSULE  ERECT 
a.  Capsule  cylindrical 

Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen.    (Leaves  too 
small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  rela- 
tively long  and  narrow  or  short  and  broad)  ....  38. 
Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.    (Leaves  must  be 
seen  wtU  enough  to  estimate  their  relative  shape.) 
Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part). 
Leaves  hair-like  throughout  ....  6,  8,  ^S. 
Leaves  broader,  sometimes  ending  in  a  hair-like  tip 

....8,38,41. 

b.  Capsule  angular  {four-  to  six-sided) 

Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part)  ....  41. 


60  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

II.   CAPSULE  NOT  ERECT 

a.  Capsule  cylindrical 

Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part). 
Leaves  hair-like  throughout  ....  4,  6,  7,  8. 
Leaves  broader,  sometimes  ending  in  a  hair-like  tip 

....  8,  41. 
Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer  than 
broadest  part)  ....  29,  30. 

h.  Capsule  angular  {four-  to-six-sided) 

Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part)  ....  41. 

c.  Capsule  pear-shaped 

Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen.    (Leaves  too 
small  or  too  closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  rela- 
tively long  and  narrow  or  short  and  broad) ....  28. 
Shape  of  leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.   (Leaves  must  be 
seen  well  enough  to  estimate  their  relative  shape.) 
Leaves  long  and  narrow  (more  than  four  times  longer 
than  broadest  part). 
Leaves  hair-like  throughout  ....  26. 
Leaves  broader,  sometimes  ending  in  a  hair-like  tip 

27,  28. 

Leaves  short  and  broad  (less  than  four  times  longer  than 
broadest  part)  ....  28. 


CAPSULE   KEY  6l 


Fruit  on  the  side  of  the  stem  or  on  a  very  short  lateral 
branch.  Stems  prostrate  or  ascending,  rarely  erect,  usually 
much  branched  (with  more  than  two  or  three  branches).^ 
Pleurocarpous  Mosses,  p.  172. 

Note.  When  in  doubt  where  to  place  a  moss  that  is  somewhat  branched, 
try  it  under  both  Division  A  and  Division  B. 

Plants  growing  on  the  ground 

I.   CAPSULE  ERECT 

Leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen  (too  small  or  too 
closely  folded  to  show^  if  they  are  straight  or 
curved);  stems  irregularly  branched  ....  50,  53,  75. 
Leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.  (It  is  necessary  only  to 
see  if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire 
outline  need  not  show.) 
Leaves     more     or     less     curved;     stems     irregularly 

branched  ....  44. 
Leaves  straight. 

Stems  irregularly  branched  ....  44,  50,  75. 
Stems  tree-like  in  branching  ....  45. 

II.   CAPSULE  NOT  ERECT 

a.  Capsule  long-cylindrical  (at  least  four  times  longer 
than  broad) 

Leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen   (too  small   or   too 
closely   folded   to   show   if    they  are   straight   or 
curved). 
Stems  pinnatcly  branched  ....  57,  5S,  71. 

>  For  arrangement  of  branches  sec  "lUustrations  of  Terms,"  Plate  II. 


62  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Stems  bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched  ....  57. 
Steins  irregularly  branched  ....  59,  71. 
Leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.    (It  is  necessary  only  to  see 
if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire  out- 
line need  not  show.) 
Stems  pinnately  branched. 

Leaves  straight 57,  58,  64,  71,  74. 

Leaves  curved  ....  62,  70,  71. 
Stems  irregularly  branched. 
Leaves  apparently  on  two  opposite  sides  of  the 
stem.^ 
Leaves  straight  ....  72,  73,  80. 
Leaves  curved  ....  71. 
Leaves  turned  to  one  side,  curved  ....  44,  62,  71. 
Leaves  arranged  equally  around  stem,  straight. 
Leaves  wide-spreading  ....  59,  61,  64,  73,  78. 
Leaves  not  wide-spreading  .  .  .  .  44,  58,  61,  71,  76. 

b.  Capsule  short-cylindrical  (less  than  four  times  longer 
than  broad) 

Leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen  (too  small   or  too 
closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  straight  or  curved). 
Stems  pinnately  or  irregularly  branched  ...  71,  79. 
Stems  bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched  ....  68. 
Leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.   (It  is  necessary  only  to 
see  if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire 
outline  need  not  show.) 
Stems  pinnately  branched. 

Leaves  straight  ....  66,  67,  68,  69,  71. 
Leaves  curved  ....  62,  66,  71. 
Stems  bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched;  leaves 
straight  ....  68. 

*  If  No.  31  has  been  mistaken  for  a  pleurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 


CAPSULE   KEY  63 


Stems  irregularly  branched. 

Leaves  straight^  ....  63,  67,  75. 
Leaves  curved  ....  62. 


Plants  growing  on  rocks,  sticks,  etc.,  in  or  at  the  edge  of 
streams,  ponds,  or  water-holes 

I.   CAPSULE  ERECT 

Leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.   (It  is  necessary  only  to  see 
if  the  leaves  are  straight    or   curved,  the  entire 
outline  need  not  show.) 
Leaves  straight,  erect  or  spreading." 

Capsule  partly  concealed  by  leaves;  stems  long, 

floating,  irregularly  branched  ....  43. 
Capsule  not  concealed. 

Stems  tree-Hke  in  branching  ....  45. 

Stems  irregularly  branched  ....  44. 

Leaves  more  or  less  curved  and  turned  to  one  side 

44. 

II.  CAPSULE  NOT  ERECT 

a.  Capsule  long-cylindrical  (at  least  four  times  longer 
than  broad) 

Leaves  when  moist  easily  seen  (it  is  necessary  only  to  see 
if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire  out- 
line need  not  show) ;  stems  irregularly  branched. 
Leaves  straight,  spreading  ....  44,  59,  61. 
Leaves  more  or  less  curved  and  turned  to  one  side 

....  44,  62. 

*  If  No.  34  has  been  mistaken  for  a  plcurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
bclont;  here. 

*  If  No.  19  has  been  mistaken  for  a  pleurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 


64  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

b.  Capsule  shorUcylindrical  (less  than  four  times  longer 
than  broad) 

Leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen  (too  small  or  too 
closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  straight  or 
curved);  stems  irregularly  branched  ....  79. 

Leaves  when  moist  easily  seen  (it  is  necessary  only  to  see 
if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire  out- 
line need  not  show);  stems  irregularly  branched. 
Leaves  straight,  erect  or  spreading  .... 

65,  75,  77,  79- 
Leaves  more  or  less  curved  and  turned  to  one  side 

....  65. 

Plants  growing  on  rocks  not  in  streams,  ponds,  or 
water-holes 

I.   CAPSULE  ERECT 

Leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen  (too  small  or  too 
closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  straight  or 
curved) ;  stems  irregularly  branched  ^  .  .  .  . 

50,  53,  54,  55,  56. 

Leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.    (It  is  necessary  only  to 

see  if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire 

outline  need  not  show.) 

Capsule  partly  concealed  by  leaves ;  -  stems  irregularly 

branched;  leaves  straight  ....  42. 
Capsule  not  concealed. 

Stems  irregularly  branched. 
Leaves  apparently  on  two  opposite  sides  of  stem, 
straight 48,  55. 

^  If  No.  21  has  been  mistaken  for  a  pleurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 

*  If  No.  19  has  been  mistaken  for  a  pleurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 


CAPSULE   KEY  65 

Leaves  arranged  equally  around  stem,  straight. 
Leaves  wide-spreading  ....  54,  56. 
Leaves  not  wide-spreading  ^  ....  46,  50,  51,  75. 

II.   CAPSULE  NOT  ERECT 

a.  Capsule  long-cylindrical  (at  least  four  times  longer 
than  broad) 

Leaves  when  moist  not    easily  seen  (too   small   or  too 
closely  folded   to   show   if    they   are   straight  or 
curved) 
Stems  pinnately  branched  ....  57,  71. 
Stems bipinnately or tripinnately  branched  ...»  57. 
Stems  irregularly  branched  ....  59,  60,  71. 
Leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.    (It  is  necessary  only  to 
see  if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire 
outline  need  not  show.) 
Stems  pinnately  branched. 
Leaves  straight  ....  57,  71. 
Leaves  curved  ....  62,  70,  71. 
Stems     somewhat    tree-like    in    branching;    leaves 

straight  ....  49. 
Stems  irregularly  branched. 
Leaves  apparently  on  two  opposite  sides  of  stem. 
Leaves  straight  ....  72,  73. 
Leaves  curved  ....  71. 
Leaves  turned  to  one  side,  curved  ....  62,  71. 
Leaves  arranged  equally  around  stem,  straight. 
Leaves  wide-spreading  ....  59,  61,  7.3. 
Leaves  not  wide-spreading  ....  61,  71,  76. 

*  If  No.  21  has  been  mistaken  for  a  pleurocarpous  moss  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 


66  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

b.  Capsule  short-cylindrical  (less  than  four  times  longer 
than  broad) 

Leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen  (too  small  or  too  closely 
folded  to  show  if  they  are  straight  or  curved). 
Stems  bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched  ....  68. 
Stems  irregularly  branched^  ....  75,  79. 
Leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.     (It  is  necessary  only  to 
see  if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire 
outline  need  not  show.)    , 
Stems  pinnately  branched. 
Leaves  straight  ....  66,  67,  68,  69. 
Leaves  curved  ....  62,  66. 
Stems  bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched;  leaves 

straight  ....  68. 
Stems  irregularly  branched. 
Leaves  turned  to  one  side,  curved  ....  62. 
Leaves  arranged  equally  around  stem,  straight. 
Leaves  wide-spreading  .  .  .  .  67,  75,  78. 
Leaves  not  wide-spreading  ^  . .  .  .  75,  79. 

Plants  growing  on  roots  or  trunks  of  trees 

I.   CAPSULE  ERECT 

Leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen  (too  small  or  too 
closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  straight  or 
curved) ;  stems  irregularly  or  pinnately  branched  ^ 

50,  51.  52,  53,  55,  56. 

Leaves  when  moist  easily  seen  (it  is  necessary  only  to  see  if  the 
leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire  outline  need 
not  show) ;  stems  irregularly  or  pinnately  branched. 

^  If  No.  34  has  been  mistaken  for  a  pleurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 

2  If  No.  21  has  been  mistaken  for  a  pleurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 


CAPSULE   KEY  67 

Leaves  apparently  on  two  opposite  sides  of  stem, 
straight. 

Capsule  partly  concealed  by  leaves  ....  47. 
Capsule  not  concealed  ....  48,  55. 
Leaves  slightly  turned  to  one  side,  straight  or  curved 

....  52. 
Leaves  arranged  equally  around  stem,  straight  ^ 

46,  50^  51,  52,  56. 

II.  CAPSULE  NOT  ERECT 

a.  Capsule  long-cylindrical  (at  least  four  times  longer 
than  broad) 

Leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen  (too  small  or  too  closely 
folded  to  show  if  they  are  straight  or  curved). 
Stems  pinnately  branched  ....  71. 
Stems  irregularly  branched  ....  59,  60,  71. 
Leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.    (It  is  necessary  only  to 
see  if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire 
outHne  need  not  show.) 
Stems  pinnately  branched;  leaves  curved  ....  70,  71. 
Stems  irregularly  branched;  ^  leaves  curved  ....  71. 

b.  Capsule  short-cylindrical  (less  than  four  times  longer 
than  broad) 

Leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen  (too  small  or  too  closely 
folded  to  show  if  they  are  straight  or  curved). 
Stems  pinnately  or  irregularly  branched  .... 

68,  71,  75- 

Stems  bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched  ....  68. 

Leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.     (It  is  necessary  only  to 

*  If  No.  21  has  been  mistaken  for  a  plcurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 

2  If  No.  31  has  been  mistaken  for  a  plcurocarpous  moss,  it  will  apparently 
belong  here. 


68  HOW  TO   KNOW   THE  MOSSES 

see  if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire 
outHne  need  not  show.) 
Stems  pinnately  or  irregularly  branched. 

Leaves  apparently  on  two  opposite  sides  of  stem. 
Leaves  straight  ....  75,  80, 
Leaves  curved  ....  71. 
Leaves  arranged  equally  around  stem,  straight 

....  68,  69,  75,  78. 
Stems   bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched;   leaves 
straight  ....  68. 

Plants  growing  on  decaying  wood,  as  old  logs, 
stumps,  etc. 

I.  CAPSULE  ERECT 

Leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen  (too  small  or  too 
closely  folded  to  show  if  they  are  straight  or 
curved);  stems  irregularly  or  pinnately  branched 

^ 50.  51,  52,  53,  56. 

Leaves  when  moist  easily  seen  (it  is  necessary  only  to 
see  if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire 
outhne  need  not  show);  stems  irregularly  or  pin- 
nately branched. 
Leaves  straight  .  .  .  .  50,  51,  52. 
Leaves  curved  ....  52. 

II.   CAPSULE  NOT  ERECT 

a.  Capsule  long-cylindrical  (at  least  four  times  longer 
than  broad) 

Leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen  (too  small  or  too  closely 
folded  to  show  if  they  are  straight  or  curved). 
Stems  pinnately  branched  ....  71. 
Stems  bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched  ....  57. 
Stems  irregularly  branched  .  .  .  .  59,  71,  75. 


CAPSULE   KEY  69 

Leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.    (It  is  necessary  only  to 
see  if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire 
outline  need  not  show.) 
Stems  pinnately  branched,  leaves  curved  .... 

62,  70,  71. 
Stems  irregularly  branched. 
Leaves  apparently  on  two  opposite  sides  of  stem. 
Leaves  straight  ....  72,  73,  80. 
Leaves  curved  ....  71. 
Leaves  turned  to  one  side,  curved  ....  62. 
Leaves  arranged  equally  around  stem,  straight. 
Leaves  wide-spreading  ....  73. 
Leaves  not  wide-spreading  ....  71. 

b.  Capsule  short-cylindrical  (less  than  four  times  longer 
than  broad) 

Leaves  when  moist  not  easily  seen  (too  small  or  too  closely 
folded  to  show  if  they  are  straight  or  curved). 
Stems  pinnately  branched  ....  68,  71. 
Stems  bipinnatcly  or  tripinnately  branched  ....  68. 
Stems  irregularly  branched  ....  71,  75. 
Leaves  when  moist  easily  seen.    (It  is  necessary  only  to 
see  if  the  leaves  are  straight  or  curved,  the  entire 
outUne  need  not  show.) 
Stems  pinnately  branched. 

Leaves  straight  ....  67,  68,  69,  71. 
Leaves  curved  ....  62,  71. 
Stems  bipinnately  or  tripinnately  branched;  leaves 

straight  ....  68. 
Stems  irregularly  branched. 

Leaves  straight  ....  67,  75,  78. 
Leaves  curved  ....  62. 


LIST   OF   GENERA 

Note.  The  genera  are  numbered  in  the  order  selected  for  the  book. 

PAGE 

1.  Trematodon 77 

2.  Ditrichum 78 

3.  Saelania 80 

4.  Ceratodon 81 

5.  Distichium 83 

6.  Dicranella 84 

7.  Oncophorus 86 

8.  Dicranum 87 

9.  Leucobryum 95 

10.  Fissidens 97 

11.  Weisia 100 

12.  Hymenostylium loi 

13.  Tortella 102 

14.  Didymodon 104 

15.  Barbula 105 

16.  Pottia 106 

17.  Tortula 107 

18.  Encalypta 108 

19.  Grimmia iii 

20.  Rhacomitrium 113 

21.  Drummondia 116 

22.  Orthotrichum 117 

23.  Ulota 119 

24.  Physcomitrium 122 

25.  Funaria 123 

26.  Leptobryum 126 


LIST  OF  GENERA  71 

27.  Pohlia 127 

28.  Bryum 129 

29.  Rhodobryum 131 

30.  Mnium 134 

31.  Aulacomnium 139 

32.  Plagiopus 143 

^S.  Bartramia 144 

34.  Philonotis 145 

35.  Timmia 148 

36.  Webera 1^0 

37.  Buxbaumia 152 

38.  Georgia 154 

39.  Catharinaea 1^6 

40.  Pogonatum 160 

41.  Polytrichum 162 

42.  Hedwigia 172 

43.  Fontinalis 17^ 

44.  Dichelyma 177 

45.  Climacium 179 

46.  Leucodon 182 

47.  Neckera 185 

48.  Homalia 186 

49.  Thamnium 187 

50.  Entodon 189 

51.  Platygyrium 191 

52.  Pylaisia 192 

53.  Thelia 195 

54.  Myurella 196 

55.  Anomodon 198 

56.  Leskea 201 

57.  Thuidium 202 

58.  Helodium 205 

59.  Amblystcgium 208 

60.  Homomallium 210 


72  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

6i.  Hygroamblystegium 211 

62.  Drepanocladus 213 

63.  Calliergon ^ 216 

64.  Acrocladium 217 

65.  Hygroh>^num 218 

66.  Ctenidium 221 

67.  Rhytidiadelphus 223 

68.  Hylocomium 225 

69.  Hypnum 22g 

70.  Ptilium 230 

71.  Stereodon 231 

72.  Isopterygium 238 

73.  Plagiothecium 240 

74.  Camptothecium 243 

75.  Brachythecium 244 

76.  Cirriphyllum 250 

77.  Oxyrhynchium 251 

78.  Eurhynchium 252 

79.  Bryhnia 254 

80.  Rhynchostegium 256 


CLASS   BRYOPHYTES 

Sub-Class  Musci 

ORDER  I.    SPHAGNALES     (Peat  Mosses) 

Family  SPHAGNACEAE 
A  FAMILY  containing  but  a  single  genus. 

SPHAGNUM     (Dill.)     Ehrh.     (Sphag-num) 

A  genus  containing  a  great  many  species  found  in 
bogs  and  swampy  woods,  along  the  margins  of  ponds, 
sometimes  submerged,  on  moist  banks 
by  streams,  and  more  rarely  in  drier 
situations.  An  old  Greek  name  for  some 
plant. 

Plants  crowded  together,  sometimes  form- 
ing dense,  extensive  growths;  varying  in 
color  from  pale  to  bright  green,  and  in  some 
species  from  pink  to  deep  red;  fruit  not 
common. 

Stc?ns  usually  erect,  continuing  growth  at 
the  tips,  sometimes  reaching  several  feet  in 
length,  but,  as  a  rule,  the  older  portions  be- 
coming so  decayed  and  fragile,  that  only  a  cymbmum 
few  inches  of  the  plants  can  be  gathered ;  7nuch 
branched;  branches  arranged  in  clusters  along  the  stem,  shorter 
and  more  crowded  at  the  tips  forming  a  conspicuous  head. 


74  HOW  TO  KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

Seta  absent,  but  represented  by  an  outgrowth  called  a 
pseudopodium. 

Leaves  sharp-pointed  or  spoon-shaped,  closely  folded  and 
overlapping,  or  spreading;  especially  adapted  for  holding 
water. 

Capsule  oval;  brown;  on  a  pale  stalk;  wrapped  in  leaves 
until  mature;  without  a  peristome;  mature  in  summer. 

Operculum  convex. 

Range,  cosmopolitan  in  suitable  habitats,  more  abundant 
in  the  cooler  bogs  of  North  America  and  Europe. 

In  economic  value,  the  Sphagnums  are  the  most  im- 
portant of  the  Bryophytes.  The  peat  of  commerce  is 
obtained  from  the  firm,  compressed  mass  of  the  older 
portions  of  the  plants  that  is  formed  at  the  bottom  of 
bogs.  This  mass  is  cut  into  bricks  and,  when  dried,  is 
used  for  fuel,  especially  in  Scotland  and  Ireland. 

Sphagnum  is  also  valuable  as  a  packing  material.  In 
certain  localities  it  is  used  as  a  filling  for  mattresses 
and  pillows,  and,  as  a  non-conducting  substance,  it  is 
wrapped  around  steam-pipes  or  packed  in  the  walls  of 
houses.  When  moist,  it  is  used  by  gardeners  and  flor- 
ists for  packing  vegetables  and  plants,  as  the  peculiar 
structure  of  the  leaves  enables  them  to  absorb  and 
hold  moisture  like  a  sponge. 

It  has  been  discovered  in  Germany,  England,  and 
Scotland  that,  owing  to  its  absorbing  qualities.  Sphag- 
num can  be  successfully  used  for  surgical  dressings  as 
a  substitute  for  prepared  cotton  wool. 


ORDER  II.    ANDREAEALES 
Family  ANDREAEACEAE 
A  FAMILY  containing  only  one  genus. 

ANDREAEA    Ehrh.     (An-dre-ae-a) 

A  genus  containing  many  species,  growing  on  rock, 
but  not  on  limestone,  usually  in  mountainous  regions; 
three  species  occurring  in  our  range;  not  common. 
Named  after  Andrea,  an  apothecary 
of  Hanover,  Germany. 


Plants  small  and  fine,  growing  in  dense 
or  lax  tufts  on  rocks;  reddish-brown  to 
almost  black. 

Stems  erect,  slender,  short,  usually  about  ^^<ircaea  petrophUa 
%  inch  long;  very  brittle.  ,  a.  moist  capsule; 

^^  -^  (,,  dry  capsule;  en- 

Leaves    small,    fine,    spreading    when      larged. 
moist;   closely  folded  when  dry;  some- 
times  too   small   to  be  seen;   reddish-brown   to   almost 
black. 

Seta  absent,  but  represented  by  a  very  short  stalk  of 
different  origin. 

Capsule  at  apex  of  stem,  very  small,  erect,  oval;  dark 
brown  or  blackish ;  without  peristome  or  operculum;  splitting 
along  four  longitudinal  lines,  but  united  at  the  apex. 

Operculum  absent. 

Range,  almost  cosmopolitan. 


76  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

Andreaea  is  separated  from  the  true  mosses  on  ac- 
count of  the  structure  of  the  capsule,  which  is  incon- 
spicuous because  it  is  about  the  same  dark  color  as  the 
rest  of  the  plants  and  is  raised  only  a  little  above  the 
end  of  the  stem  or  branch.  It  can  best  be  seen,  when 
dry,  by  looking  across  the  plants  to  the  light.  When 
dry,  the  four  parts  of  the  capsule  are  spread  apart; 
when  moist,  they  are  closed  and  resemble  the  end  of  a 
branch.  Andreaea  forms  a  close,  dark  growth  on  rocks 
somewhat  similar  to  that  of  Grimmia  (p.  in),  Ortho- 
trichum  (p.  117),  and  Hedwigia  (p.  172).  It  is  much 
less  frequent  than  any  of  these,  as  it  occurs  only  in 
mountainous  regions,  and  the  stems  and  branches  as  a 
rule  are  shorter  and  much  more  slender.  The  tufts  are 
less  compact  than  in  Orthotrichum,  and  the  stems  usu- 
ally much  shorter  than  in  Grimmia  and  Hedwigia, 
The  presence  of  the  fruit  in  any  case  will  distinguish 
the  genus. 


ORDER  III.    BRYALES     (True  Mosses) 

ACROCARPI 

The  acrocaq)ous  mosses  are  generally  erect  and 
often  not  branched;  or,  if  slightly  branched  by  fork- 
ing, usually  with  only  two  or  three  branches.  The 
fruit  is  borne  at  the  tip  of  the  stem,  or  of  a  well- 
developed  branch,  sometimes  appearing  lateral  by  the 
new  growth  of  the  plant. 

Family  DICRANACEAE 

A  very  large  family  containing  many  genera  and 
several  hundred  species. 

I.     TREMATODON     Michx.     (Tre-mat-o-don) 

A  genus  containing  a  number  of  species;  one  of 
which,  Trematodon  ambiguus  (Hedw.)  Hornsch., 
occurs  especially  in  the  northern  part  of 
our  range.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek 
for  "perforated"  and  ''tooth,"  referring 
to  the  teeth  of  the  peristome. 

Plants  growing  close  together  in  old  fields, 

in  wet,  swampy  places,  or  on  damp,  clayey 

soil;  light  green  or  brownish;  fruiting  abun- 
1       ,,  ,  Trematodon 

dantly;  not  common.  ambisuus 

Stems  erect,  short,  usually  less  than  ^2  inch    Leaf  and  capsule 

long.  enlarged. 


78  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Leaves  tang  and  hair-like ,  erect  or  somewhat  spreading; 
light  green  or  brownish. 

Seta  greenish-yellow ;  shining;  /^-i>^  inches  long;  con- 
spicuous. 

Capsule  inclined,  cylindrical,  with  a  long  neck,  giving  the 
appearance  of  a  very  long  slender  fruit;  reddish-brown; 
mature  in  summer. 

Operculufn  long-beaked. 

Range,  Canada  and  the  northern  United  States;  Europe. 

The  long  slender  fruit  of  Trematodon  and  the  shining, 
yellow  fruit-stalks  first  attract  the  eye  and  are  the  im- 
portant characteristics  for  determination.  The  moss 
is  not  conspicuous  when  not  fruited. 

Two  other  mosses  with  short  stems  and  hair-like 
leaves  are  Ditrichum  pallidum  (p.  80),  and  Leptobryum 
(p.  126),  but  the  capsules  are  very  different,  and  as 
none  of  these  plants  are  likely  to  be  collected  except 
when  fruited,  there  is  no  danger  of  confusing  them. 


2.     DITRICHUM     Timm     (Di-tri-chum) 

A  cosmopolitan  genus  of  many  species,  three  of 
which  are  common.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek 
for  **  two,"  and  '^  hair,"  referring  to  the  divided  teeth 
of  the  peristome. 

Plants  crowded  together,  growing  on  the  ground,  rarely 
on  rocks;  bright  or  yellowish-green;  fruiting  abundantly; 
not  conspicuous  unless  in  fruit ;  common. 

Stems  erect,  short,  usually  less  than  }^  inch  long. 


DICRANACEAE  79 

a.  Leaves  too  small  to  show  outline;  closely  folded  when  dry; 
a  rather  bright  green. 

Seta  usually  less  than  i  inch  long;  reddish-brown. 
Capsule    erect,    cylindrical,    slender;    reddish-brown; 

mature  in  autumn. 
Operculum  short-beaked.  D.  tortile. 

D.  vaginans. 

b.  Leaves  easily  seen,  long,  hair-like,  spreading;  yellowish- 
green. 

Seta  usually  i-i/4  inches  long;  yellowish. 

Capsule  erect  or  slightly  inclined,  long,  cylindrical; 

yellowish ;  mature  in  June. 
Operculum  short-beaked.  D.  pallidum. 


Ditrichum  tortile  (Schrad.)  Lindb.  and  Ditrichum 
vaginans  (Sull.)  Hamp.  are  both  found  in  the  eastern 
half  of  North  America  and  in  Europe,  the  former 
also  in  Asia  and  Africa.  They  resemble  each 
other  too  closely  for  the  beginner  to  identify 
them  easily.  They  grow  on  moist  banks,  often 
along  roadsides,  very  rarely  on  rocks.  The 
stem^s  and  capsules  are  very  slender,  and  the 
leaves  are  so  small  and  so  closely  folded,  es-  ^'[['^llil^ 
pecially  when  dry,  that  one  is  hardly  con-  capsuie 
scious  that  there  are  any  leaves  at  all,  as  ^"^^'■^^^• 
the  plants  look  as  though  they  consisted  of  tiny 
green  stems  with  the  fruit  and  fruit-stalks.  No  other 
small  mosses  with  small  erect  capsules  are  commonly 
found  on  moist  soil.  Barbula  (p.  105)  has  erect  cap- 
sules, but  usually  grows  on  drier  soil,  is  less  com- 


8o  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

mon,  and  the  leaves  are  crisped  when  dry,  so  that 
the  steins  do  not  look  smooth  and  slender.  Georgia 
pellucida  (p.  154)  also  has  small  erect  capsules  and  slen- 
der stems,  but  its  favorite  habitat  is  decaying  wood;  it 
less  frequently  grows  on  the  ground,  and  mixed  with 
the  fruited  plants  are  usually  sterile  stems  with  larger 
leaves  arranged  at  the  tip  of  the  stem  in  a  cup-like 
cluster  containing  gemmae,  or  brood  bodies  capable  of 
reproducing  the  plants. 

b 

Ditrichum  pallidum  (Schrad.)  Hamp.  can  be  recog- 
nized by  the  long  yellow  seta  and  slender  capsule,  erect, 
or  slightly  inclined,  sometimes  becoming  hori- 
zontal when  old,  and  by  the  long  hair-like 
leaves.  It  usually  is  found  on  bare  ground  in 
woods.  For  comparison  with  other  mosses 
having  hair-like  leaves  see  Trematodon  (p. 
77),  Dicranella  (p.  84),  Weisia  (p.  100),  and 
Leptohryum  (p.  126). 

Ditrichum  -^^^^^>  Ontario  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  west  to 
pallidum,     Kansas;  Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 

3.     SAELANIA    Lindb.     (Sae-lan-i-a) 

A  genus  containing  but  one  species  found  on  earth 
and  in  crevices  of  rocks,  especially  limestone,  in  moun- 
tainous or  hilly  regions;  rare.  Named  after  Saelan,  a 
Scandinavian  moss  student. 


t 


DICRANACEAE  8i 

Plants  thickly  crowded  together;  glaucous  or  light  bluish- 
green  above,  brown  below;  fruit  occasional. 

Stems  usually  less  than  i  inch  long,  erect,  slender, 
slightly  branched. 

Leaves  long,  hair-like,  erect;  some  at  least  showing  the 
characteristic  glaucous  or  light  bluish-green  color. 

Seta  about  %  inch  long;  yellowish  or  pale 
reddish. 

Capsule  erect,  cylindrical;  reddish;  mature  in 
early  autumn.  ^   ,    . 

Saelania 

Operculum  cone-shaped,  not  easily  seen.  giaucescens 

Range,  Greenland  and  Labrador  to  the  Mid- 
dle Atlantic  States,  west  to  British  Columbia  and  Colo- 
rado; Europe;  Asia;  New  Zealand. 

Saelania  giaucescens  (Hedw.)  Broth.  (5.  caesia 
Lindb.)  is  to  be  expected  only  in  elevated  regions, 
especially  in  limestone  country.  It  is  at  once  distin- 
guished by  the  glaucous  bluish-green  of  the  upper  leaves. 
No  other  moss  has  this  peculiar  color.  The  plants  first 
impress  one  as  being  coated  with  some  foreign  matter, 
and  a  hand-lens  shows  the  back  of  the  leaves  covered 
with  a  white  substance. 

4.     CERATODON    Brid.     (Ce-rat-o-don) 

A  genus  of  many  species  widely  distributed.  Name 
derived  from  the  Greek  for  "  horn  "  and  ''  tooth," 
referring  to  the  teeth  of  the  peristome. 

Ceratodon  purpiireus  (L.)  Brid.  is  found  all  over  the 
world,  growing  on  barren  soil,  burnt-over  places,  rocks, 


82  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

old  roofs,  and  even  on  the  sand  at  the  seashore.   It  is 
very  common  and  fruits  abundantly. 

Plants  crowded  together;  fruiting  abundantly;  most  con- 
spicuous when  in  fruit ;  a  rather  dark  green. 

Stems  erect,  usually  about  y?,  inch  high; 
often  slightly  branched  by  forking  at  tip  of  old 
growth. 

Leaves  short,  hair-like,  spreading  when  moist ; 
somewhat  folded  when  dry;  a  rather  dark 
green. 

Seta  about  i  inch  long;  becoming  dark  red 
when  fruit  is  mature. 

Capsule  cylindrical,  inclined;  dark  red  like  seta 
and  grooved  when  mature,  turning  brown  when 
very  old;  sometimes  appearing  lateral  by  new 
growth  of  stem;  mature  in  spring. 
Operculum  cone-shaped. 
Range,  a  cosmopolitan  species. 

Ceratodon  purpilreus  is  one  of  our  commonest  mosses 
and  one  of  the  first  to  attract  the  eye  in  early  spring. 
In  March,  when  the  snow  disappears,  the  slender 
young  fruit-stalks  have  already  reached  nearly  their 
full  height  and  are  beginning  to  turn  from  green  to  red; 
although  the  capsules  are  still  so  spear-like  that  one 
can  hardly  tell  where  the  seta  ends  and  the  capsule 
begins.  By  late  May  or  early  June  both  have  become 
the  characteristic  dark  red  that  suggested  the  name 
purpureus.  Often  the  new  growth  starts  at  the  tip  of 
the  stem,  sometimes  forking  before  the  fruit  is  mature, 
causing  the  seta  to  look  as  if  it  came  from  the  side  of 


DICRANACEAE  83 

the  stem;  but  when  this  occurs,  the  new  leaves  are 
lighter  green  than  the  old  ones  and  one  readily  sees 
what  has  taken  place. 

The  distinguishing  characteristics  of  Ceratodon  are 
the  dark-red  capsule  and  seta  combined  with  the  short 
erect  stems  and  short  hair-like  leaves.  When  the  plants 
are  not  fruited  they  are  not  conspicuous,  unless  the 
growth  is  quite  extensive,  and  are  not  easily  recog- 
nized. One  can  bear  in  mind  that  Ceratodon  grows  in 
dry,  barren  places  and  that  the  leaves  are  short,  hair- 
like, and  wide-spreading  when  moist.  Sterile  plants  of 
Pohlia  nutans  (p.  127)  often  grow  quite  extensively, 
and  this  moss  is  also  a  very  common  one;  but  it  is 
found  in  damper  places,  having  leaves  wider,  larger, 
and  more  erect  than  in  Ceratodon  and  the  stems  gen- 
erally red,  especially  in  the  young  plants. 

5.     DISTICHIUM     Bryol.  Eur.     (Di-stich-i-um) 

A  small  genus.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for  a 
*'  double  row,"  referring  to  the  leaves  arranged  in  two 
rows. 

Distichium  capillaceum  (Sw.)  Bryol.  Eur.  (Swartzia 
montana  Lindb.)  is  found  in  mountainous  regions, 
growing  on  rocks  and  ledges,  especially  limestone;  not 
common;  fruit  occasional. 

Plants  thickly  crowded  together;  glossy;  bright  or  dark 
green  above,  reddish-brown  below. 

Stems  very  slender,  usually  1-4  inches  long;  branched. 


84  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

Leaves  long,  hair-like,  spreading  when  moist;  more  erect 
when  dry;  arranged  in  ofily  two  rows ;  bright  or  dark  green. 
Seta  about  i  inch  long;  reddish. 
Capsule  erect,   cyhndrical,   slender;   reddish- 
brown;  mature  in  summer. 

Operculum  cone-shaped,  not  conspicuous. 
Range,  Europe,  North  America,  Tasmania, 
New  Zealand. 

This  species  is  usually  found  on  rocks  in 
Dishchum    ^YiQ  mountains,  especially  in  limestone  re- 

capillaceum  '        ^  -^ 

Portion  of  gions.  The  distinguishing  characters  are  the 
\lig^d  ^^'  ^^^^  slender  stems  and  the  long  hair -like  leaves. 
The  plants  are  soft  and  silky  in  appear- 
ance. The  leaves  are  in  two  opposite  rows,  but  this  is 
not  always  clearly  seen,  especially  if  the  leaves  are 
crowded.  Sometimes  they  are  separated  enough  to 
show  this  arrangement  and  also  the  white  sheathing 
bases  which  make  the  stems  appear  white  and  shining. 


6.     DICRANELLA     Schimp.     (Di-cra-nel-la) 

A  genus  of  over  one  hundred  species,  only  two  of 
which  are  at  all  common  in  our  range.  The  name  means 
a  "  little  "  Dicranum;  Dicranum  is  from  the  Greek, 
referring  to  the  shape  of  the  teeth  of  the  peristome. 

Plants  growing  close  together  on  damp  soil  and  upturned 
roots,  rarely  on  earth-covered  rocks ;  common ;  freely  fruiting. 

Stems  erect,  slender,  usually  less  than  i  inch  high. 

Leaves  long,  narrow,  hair-like,  usually  turned  to  one  side; 
not  much  changed  when  dry;  bright  to  dark  green. 


DICRANACEAE  85 

Seta  less  than  i  inch  long;  yellowish  in  the  two  common 
species,  reddish  in  the  others. 

Capsule  cylindrical,  symmclrical  and  erect,  or  unsymvietri^ 
cat  and  slighlly  inclined;  reddish-brown;  ma- 
ture in  autumn. 

Operculum  long-beaked. 

Range,  Newfoundland  to  Florida,  west  to  the       ^  -. 
Pacific;  Europe;  Asia.  J     IT 

Dicranellaheteromalla  (Dill.,L.)  Schimp.      Dicrandia 

,  ,  .      ,  7  7  •    7    7       .  heteromalla 

has  the  unsymmetrical  capsule,  slightly  in- 
clined, and  when  dry  and  empty  it  suddenly     capsule  en- 

1     ,  1  ,  larged. 

curves  in  just  below  the  mouth. 

Var.  orthocarpa  (Hedw.)  E.  G.  B.  has  the  capsule 
erect  and  symmetrical,  not  curved  in  below  the  mouth. 

These  two  small  mosses  are  typical  little  Dicranums. 
Their  long  hair-like  leaves,  usually  turned  to  one  side, 
and  the  long-beaked  operculum  are  very  characteristic. 
Dicranum  jlagcllare  (p.  89)  somew^hat  resembles  Di- 
cranella,  is  next  to  these  in  size,  and  has  erect  capsules; 
but  it  commonly  growls  on  decaying  logs,  and  the 
stems  are  longer,  thicker,  and  matted  together  with 
radicles;  the  leaves  are  coarser,  usually  crisped  when 
dry;  and  if  the  tiny  branchlets  (flagella)  can  be  seen 
sticking  up  above  the  upper  leaves,  one  may  be  sure 
that  the  moss  is  Dicranum  jlagcllare  and  not  Dicra- 
nella.  Ditrichum  pallidum  (p.  80)  has  hair-like 
leaves,  yellow  seta,  and  erect  capsule;  but  leaves,  seta, 
and  capsule  are  all  longer  than  in  Dicranella.  See  also 
Weisia  (p.  100). 


86  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


7.     ONCOPHORUS    Brid.     (On-c6-pho-rus) 

A  genus  of  several  species  widely  distributed,  one  of 
which  occurs  in  certain  parts  of  our  range.  Name 
derived  from  the  Greek  for  "  something  puffed  out/' 
referring  to  the  swelling  at  the  base  of  the  capsule. 

Oncophorus  Wahlenbergii  Brid.   {Cynodontium  vi- 
rens  var.  Wahlenbergii  S chimp.)  grows  on  the  ground, 
on  rocks,  and  on  decaying  logs,  in  moun- 
^      tainous  and  hilly  woods ;  not  common ;  fruit 
occasional. 

Plants  growing  close  together  forming  small 

bright- green  tufts,  dark  below. 

Stems  erect,  up  to  i/^  inches  long;  some- 

Oncophorus      times  forked. 

a  en  ergtt        Leaves  long,  hair-like;  spreading  when  moist ; 

XrgeV"'     loosely  curled  when  dry,   giving  the  plants  a 

woolly  appearance;  bright  green. 
Seta  %-  1  inch  high;  yellowish  or  pale  reddish. 
Capsule  cylindrical,  much  curved  and  inclined;  orange- 
yellow  in  spring,  with  a  tiny  red  swollen  spot  at  the  base 
and  the  peristome  showing  like  a  red  band  around  the 
mouth;  when  past  maturity,  darker  and  about  the  same 
color  throughout;  mature  in  spring. 
Operculum  long-beaked. 

Range,  Canada  and  the  northern  United  States;  Europe; 
Asia. 

One  needs  to  collect  Oncophorus  in  the  spring  to  see 
the  leaves  and  capsules  in  their  best  color.  By  fall,  the 


DICRANACEAE  87 

fruit  has  become  dark  and  broken,  while  the  new  cap- 
sules are  merely  slender  spears.  The  plants  have  a 
characteristic  curly  appearance  when  dry,  due  to  the 
long  leaves  slightly  curling.  Two  other  mosses  with 
similar  growth,  leaves,  and  habitat,  are  Dicranum  fus- 
cescens  (p.  93)  and  Bartramia  pomiformis  (p.  144). 
The  leaves  of  these  two  species  become  somewhat 
crisped  in  drying,  but  they  are  not  so  distinctly  curled 
as  in  OncopJiorus,  and  in  the  Dicranum  they  are  more 
or  less  turned  to  one  side.  The  lower  part  of  the  stems 
of  both  Dicranum  and  Bartramia  is  usually  covered 
with  a  felted  mass  of  brown  radicles,  called  tomentum, 
which  is  not  found  on  the  stems  of  OncopJiorus.  The 
fruit  of  Bartramia,  if  present,  distinguishes  the  genus 
at  once,  as  it  is  round  instead  of  cylindrical ;  but  the  fruit 
of  Dicranum  is  similar  to  that  of  OncopJiorus  in  general 
appearance,  although  usually  not  so  curved. 

With  a  hand-lens  the  small  projection  at  the  base  of 
the  capsule  can  be  seen,  which  suggested  the  name  of 
the  genus. 

8.     DICRANUM     Hedw.     (Di-cra-num) 

A  large  cosmopolitan  genus  comprising  several  of 
our  common  mosses.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek 
for  a  ''  two-pronged  fork,"  referring  to  the  teeth  of  the 
peristome. 

Plants  varying  in  size,  often  robust,  growing  close  to- 
gether, forming  mats  or  tufts,  on  damp  soil,  rocks,  decaying 


88  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

logs,  and  rarely  on  living  trees;  bright  to  dark  green;  fruit 
of  most  species  common. 

Stems  erect  or  ascending,  usually  ^^-3  inches  long; 
branched  by  forking,  or  unbranched;  often  covered  with 
brown  or  whitish  radicles  forming  a  felt-like  coating  called 
tomentum. 

Leaves  long  and  narrow,  often  curved  and  turned  to  one  side 
(secund),  more  rarely  equally  spreading;  in  some  species 
crisped  when  dry;  bright  to  dark  green. 

Seta  }i-2  inches  long;  sometimes  two  or  more  setae  to- 
gether ;  often  appearing  to  come  from  the  side  of  the  stem 
on  account  of  the  new  growth  of  the  plant;  usually  reddish; 
yellowish  when  not  solitary. 

Capsule  cylindrical,  erect  and  symmetrical,  or  inclined 
and  curved;  yellowish  or  reddish;  mature  in  summer  or 
autumn. 

Operculum  long-beaked. 

Peristome  red,  easily  seen  in  some  of  the  larger  species, 
appearing  like  a  red  band  at  the  mouth  of  the  capsule. 

For  comparison  with  Catharinaea  and  Polytrichunij 
which  also  have  long  narrow  leaves,  see  p.  171. 

The  different  species  are  divided  as  follows :  — • 

a.  Capsule  erect D.  fulvum.  D.  longijolium. 

D.  flagellare.       D.  viride. 
D.  montanum. 

b.  Capsule  not  erect . .  .D.  scoparium.    D.  Drummondii. 

D.  fuscescens.     D.  majus. 
D.  undulatum. 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  V 
DiCRANUM 


Fig.  I. 

D.fidvmn. 

Fig.  2. 

D.  flagdlare. 

Fig.  2a. 

Branch  of  D.  flagdlare  showing  flagella, 

enlarged. 

Fig.  3- 

D.  fuscescens. 

Fig.  4. 

D.  scoparinm. 

Fig.  S- 

D.  mididatum. 

Fig.  sa. 

,  Leaf  of  D.  iindidatiim,  enlarged. 

Fig.  6. 

Peristome  of  Dicranum,  enlarged. 

I'LAiK  V.     DICRANUM 


DICRANACEAE  89 

a.  Capsule  erect 

Dicranum  fulvum  Hook.  (Plate  V,  Fig.  i)  is  a  com- 
mon species  growing  only  on  rocks.  The  plants  are 
medium  in  size,  dark  green  above,  dark  brown  below. 
The  lower  part  of  the  stems  is  often  covered  with  radi- 
cles. The  leaves  are  more  or  less  turned  to  one  side; 
somew^hat  crisped  when  dry;  usually  rather  dark  green. 
The  fruit  matures  in  autumn. 

Range,  Nova  Scotia  to  Wisconsin,  south  to  North  Caro- 
lina and  Missouri;  Europe. 

When  this  species  is  not  fruited  it  somewhat  resem- 
bles certain  forms  of  D.  scoparium  (p.  91),  which  also 
grows  on  rocks.  Typical  plants  of  D.  scoparium  are 
taller  and  the  leaves  are  more  turned  to  one  side,  not 
changing  much  when  dry.  When  the  plants  are  fruited, 
they  are  easily  distinguished  by  the  position  of  the 
capsule.   See  also  D.  fuscescens  (p.  93). 

Dicranum  flagellare  Hedw.  (Plate  V,  Fig.  2)  is  tisu- 
ally  found  on  old  logs  and  stumps  in  moist  woods.  It  is 
a  common  species,  generally  fruiting  freely,  maturing 
in  summer. 

Range,  Nova  Scotia  to  North  Carolina;  Mexico;  Europe; 
Asia. 

A  small  species  with  stems  about  i  inch  long,  the 
lower  part  covered  with  felt-like  tomentum,  or  radicles. 
The  leaves  are  somewhat  curved  and  turned  to  one 
side;  usually  crisped  when  dry;  bright  or  yellowish- 


90  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

green.  Fine  branchlets,  called  flagella  (Plate  V,  Fig. 
2a),  are  often  present  and  should  be  looked  for  at  the 
tips  of  the  stems.  They  are  erect,  rather  stiff  in  appear- 
ance, sometimes  numerous,  and  about  the  same  size 
and  color  as  the  leaves,  although  they  themselves  are 
covered  with  very  minute  leaves.  Care  must  be  taken 
not  to  mistake  very  young  capsules  or  new  leaves  for 
the  flagella.  The  leaves  are  usually  slightly  curved  and 
more  hair-like  at  the  tips  and  the  young  capsule  is 
covered  with  the  yellowish  calyptra.  D.flagellare  when 
fruited  most  closely  resembles  Dicranella  heteromalla 
var.  orthocarpa  (p.  85),  as  both  have  erect  capsules. 
See  under  that  species  for  comparison.  Sterile  plants, 
unless  the  flagella  can  be  seen,  may  be  mistaken  for  D. 
fuscescens  (p.  93),  and  both  occur  on  decaying  wood, 
but  D.  flagellare  is  more  frequent  and  has  a  wider  range, 
as  D.  fuscescens  is  found  chiefly  at  a  higher  altitude. 
It  is  safest  always  to  name  species  only  from  fruited 
specimens. 

There  are  three  other  Dicranums  with  erect  capsules 
that  occur  on  living  trees,  but  they  are  rare;  Dicranum 
montanum  Hedw.,  Dicranum  longifolium  (Ehrh.) 
Hedw.,  and  Dicranum  viride  (Sull.  &  Lesq.)  Lindb. 
The  fruit  is  very  rare. 

Dicranum  montanum  is  a  very  small  species  with 
stems  usually  not  more  than  }^  inch  long,  found  on  trees 
and  decaying  logs.  The  leaves  are  shorter  and  more  hair- 


DICRANACEAE  91 

like  than  other  species  and  become  much  crisped  when 
dry.  They  are  yellowish  to  dark  green. 

Range,  Newfoundland  to  Manitoba,  south  to  West  Vir- 
ginia; Europe;  Asia. 

Dicranum  longifolium  occurs  on  rocks  and  trees  in 
mountainous  or  hilly  woods.  The  stems  are  usually 
1-2  inches  long  and  the  leaves  about  }4  mc//,  often  longer; 
curved  and  turned  to  one  side;  not  much  changed 
when  dry;  light  green,  and  glossy. 

Range,  Nova  Scotia  to  North  Carolina,  west  to  British 
Columbia  and  Colorado;  Greenland;  Europe;  Asia. 

Dicranum  viride  is  found  on  decaying  logs  as  well  as 
on  living  trees.  It  is  a  small  species,  usually  not  more 
than  I  inch  high.  The  leaves  are  yellowish  to  dark 
green,  spreading  when  moist,  a  Kttle  crisped  when  dry 
and  the  tips  are  usually  broken  of,  which  is  the  dis- 
tinguishing characteristic,  but  not  always  easily  seen 
without  a  lens. 

Range,  Newfoundland  to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  south 
to  Pennsylvania  and  Ohio. 

b.  Capside  not  erect 
I.  Seta  solitary 

Dicranum  scoparium  (L.)  Hedw.  (Plate  V,  Fig.  4)  is 
by  far  the  most  common  species  and  is  very  variable. 
It  grows  on  soil,  rocks,  or  decaying  wood  in  dry  or 


92  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

moist  woods.    The  fruit  is  frequent  and  matures  in 
August  or  September. 

Range,  Canada  and  the  United  States;  Europe;  Asia. 

Often  large  clumps  of  this  species  occur  not  bearing 
fruit;  then  again  the  plants  will  be  well  fruited.  The 
stems  are  sometimes  very  long,  up  to  4  inches,  as  they 
continue  growth  at  the  tips,  dying  down  below.  The 
older  parts  are  thickly  covered  with  brown  radicles. 
The  leaves  are  often  more  than  %  inch  long,  usually 
slightly  curved  and  turned  to  one  side,  but  sometimes 
shorter  and  equally  spreading,  little  changed  when 
dry;  yellowish-green.  It  is  the  Dicranum  most  fre- 
quently collected,  but  varies  so  in  size  and  general  ap- 
pearance that  puzzling  forms  are  often  found.  The 
usual  large  size  of  the  plants,  the  long  leaves  more  or  less 
turned  to  one  side,  not  much  changed  when  dry,  are  typi- 
cal characteristics. 

There  are  two  other  Dicranums,  D.  Bergeri  Bland. 
{D.  Schraderi  Web.  &  Mohr),  and  D.  Bonjeani  De  Not., 
that  grow  in  sub-alpine  bogs  and  marshes  and  closely 
resemble  certain  forms  of  D.  scoparium,  but  they  are 
not  so  common  and  are  too  difficult  for  the  beginner  to 
identify  as  species,  although  the  generic  characters  are 
easily  recognized  in  leaves  and  capsule.  The  leaves  are 
shorter  with  broader  tips  and  are  more  erect  than  the 
typical  leaves  of  D.  scoparium. 

See  D.  fulvum  (p.  89)  and  D.  fuscescens  (the  follow- 
ing species). 


DICRANACEAE  93 

Dicranum  fuscescens  Turn.  (Plate  V,  Fig.  3)  is 
found  on  rocks  and  decaying  wood  in  mountainous 
regions.  The  plants  are  usually  well  fruited,  and  ma- 
ture in  the  autumn.  The  stems  are  about  i  ^  inches 
long,  often  branched,  brown  below,  and  matted  to- 
gether with  radicles.  The  leaves  are  more  or  less 
curved  and  turned  to  one  side,  crisped  when  dry,  es- 
pecially in  the  upper  part. 

Range,  Labrador  to  South  Carolina,  Alaska  to  California; 

Europe;  Asia. 

D.  fuscescens  may  be  distinguished  from  D.  scopa- 
rium  by  its  smaller  size,  and  narroiver,  somewhat  shorter, 
leaves,  more  crisped  when  dry.  It  is  also  much  less  fre- 
quent. If  sterile  plants  are  found  on  rocks  they  may 
be  confused  with  D.  fulvum  (p.  89),  but  the  stems  of 
D.  fuscescens  are  lighter  hrown  below  and  thickly  covered 
with  radicles,  and  the  leaves  are  more  curled  when  dry. 

2.  Setae  clustered 

Dicranum  undulatum  Ehrh.  (Plate  V,  Fig.  5)  is 
easily  recognized  by  the  wavy  leaves  and  clustered  setae^ 
2-5  on  one  plant.  It  grows  on  moist  soil  and  earth- 
covered  rocks  in  hilly  woods.  Fruit  mature  in  summer. 

Range,  Canada  and  the  northern  United  States;  Eu- 
rope; Asia. 

The  stems  of  D.  undulatum  are  stout,  often  3-4 
inches  long,  sometimes  prostrate  in  the  lower  part,  and 


94  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

thickly  covered  with  brown  or  whitish  radicles.  The 
wavy  leaves  (Plate  V,  Fig.  5a)  are  very  long,  glossy,  and 
bright  yellow-green;  wide-spreading  or  slightly  turned  to 
one  side,  the  uppermost  erect;  not  much  altered  when 
dry.  Catharinaea  undulata  (p.  157)  also  has  wavy 
leaves,  but  they  become  very  crisped  when  dry,  and 
the  stems  are  not  covered  with  radicles. 

Dicranum  Drummondii  C.  Mlill.  has  clustered  setae 
and  is  found  in  locahties  with  D.  undulatum,  but  less 
frequently.  It  may  be  easily  distinguished  from  the 
latter  by  the  leaves,  which  are  never  wavy  and  become 
crisped  when  dry. 

Range,  northern  United  States,  south  to  New  Jersey  and 
Colorado. 

There  is  one  other  Dicranum  with  clustered  setae,  but 
it  is  very  rarely  found.  Dicranum  majus  Smith.  This 
species  occurs  in  the  mountains  and  again  along  the 
coast  in  the  northern  part  of  our  range.  The  stems  are 
long  as  in  the  two  preceding  species  and  the  leaves  are 
very  long,  usually  regularly  turned  to  one  side;  light  to 
dark  green,  and  glossy;  not  wavy,  and  not  crisped  when 
dry.  The  stems  are  only  slightly  covered  with  radicles 
in  the  lower  part. 

Range,  Greenland  to  Maine;  Alaska;  Europe;  Asia. 


Family  LEUCOBRYACEAE 


A  SMALL  family  occurring  chiefly  in  the  tropics  with 
the  exception  of  the  following  genus  which  is  almost 
cosmopolitan. 

9.     LEUCOBRYUM     Hamp.     (Leu-co-bry-um) 

A  genus  containing  several  species,  mostly  tropical. 
The  name  is  derived  from  two  Greek  words  meaning 
*'  white  moss,"  referring  to  the  typical  color  of  the 
leaves. 

Leucobryum  glaucum  (L.)  Schimp.,  sometimes 
called  ''  white  moss,"  is  found  on  the  ground  and  on 
rocks  in  the  woods.  It  is  very  com- 
mon in  most  regions,  but  rarely 
fruits. 

Plants  growing  in  cushions  of  vary- 
ing size;  glaucous  or  whitish- green 
above  when  dry;  sometimes  darker 
green  when  moist;  grayish-brown 
beneath. 

Stems  erect,  usually  1-3  inches  long, 
thick,  but  easily  broken;  branched  by 
forking. 

Leaves  long,  narrow,  tubular  from 
the  incurved  margins,  erect  or  spreading;  glaucous  or  whitish- 
green,  darker  when  moist  in  the  early  spring,  but  becoming 
very  pale  w^hen  dry. 


Leucobryum  glaucum 
Leaf  enlarged. 


96  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Seta  usually  i  inch  long  or  less,  dark  brown. 

Capsule  cylindrical,  curved,  inclined;  dark  brown;  mature 
in  autumn. 

Operculum  long-beaked. 

Range,  Newfoundland  to  the  Rocky  Mountains;  south  to 
Florida  and  Louisiana;  Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 

The  pale-green  cushions  of  Leucohryum  are  familiar 
to  nearly  every  one  who  frequents  the  woods.  Some- 
times only  the  surface  of  the  cushions  protrudes  above 
the  ground,  and  sometimes  the  stems  seem  quite,  if  not 
wholly,  unattached,  and  the  rounded  tufts  are  lying  on 
the  top  of  the  ground.  On  account  of  its  characteristic 
color,  Leucohryum  will  not  be  confused  with  any  other 
moss  except  Sphagnum  (p.  73).  The  two  plants  re- 
semble each  other  in  color  and  erect  growth,  but  the 
manner  of  branching  and  the  leaves  are  very  different. 
The  branches  of  Sphagnum  are  very  numerous,  ar- 
ranged in  a  close  head  at  the  tip  of  the  stem,  but  long, 
clustered,  and  drooping  below;  the  leaves  vary  some- 
what in  size,  and  are  erect  and  closely  folded  or  some- 
times spreading.  The  stiff,  erect  leaves  of  Leucohryum 
might  be  mistaken  for  the  short  branches  that  form  the 
heads  of  Sphagnum,  but  by  separating  a  few  of  the 
plants  and  comparing  the  illustrations  no  mistake  will 
be  made. 


Family  FISSIDENTACEAE 

The  plants  of  this  family  belong,  with  only  a  few 
exceptions,  to  the  following  genus. 

10.     FISSIDENS     Hedw.     (Fiss-i-dens) 

A  genus  of  wide  distribution,  containing  many 
species.  Name  derived  from  the  Latin  for  *'  split,"  and 
a  ''  tooth,"  referring  to  the  teeth  of  the  peristome. 

Fissidens  is  found  in  damp  places,  growing  on  the 
ground  in  moist  woods  or  on  shaded  earth  in  green- 
houses, on  wet  rocks  often  along  streams,  and  more 
rarely  at  the  base  of  trees  or  on  decaying  wood.  A  few 
species  occur  fairly  frequently  in  our  range, 
but  rarely  fruit,  and  are  not  easily  sepa-  S] 
rated. 


Plants  growing  close  together,  sometimes 
forming  thin  mats;  bright  to  dark  green. 

Stems  erect  or  ascending,  usually  less  than 
I  inch  long,  sometimes  taller;  not  branched    Leaf  enlarged. 
or  with  a  few  branches. 

Leaves  relatively  short  and  broad,  arranged  in  only  two  rows 
on  opposite  sides  of  stem;  lying  flat  when  moist,  but  becom- 
ing crisped  when  dry;  most  of  the  upper  half  double;  bright 
to  dark  green. 

Seta  terminal  or  lateral,  ]i'i  inch  long;  reddish. 

Capsule  cylindrical,  erect  or  inclined;  reddish-brown; 
maturing  from  summer  to  winter. 


98  HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

Operculum  conical  or  short-beaked,  not  easily  seen. 
Range,  throughout  North  America;  Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 

The  leaves  of  Fissldens  differ  from  those  of  other 
mosses  in  having  a  double  part  that  clasps  the  stem. 
In  the  larger  plants  it  can  usually  be  seen  with  the  un- 
aided eye  when  the  plants  are  held  to  the  light.  It  is 
the  lower  part  of  the  upper  side  of  the  leaf  and  will  look 
thicker  and  darker  than  the  rest  of  the  leaf. 

The  conspicuous  characteristic  of  Fissidens  is  the 
flattened  appearance  of  the  plants,  due  to  the  leaves  ar- 
ranged in  only  two  rows,  one  on  either  side  of  the  stem. 
Only  one  other  moss  described  in  this  book  has  this 
arrangement  of  leaves,  Distichium  (p.  ^2))  5  but  there 
are  several  that  have  a  flattened  appearance,  and  the 
leaves  must  be  examined  closely  to  notice  that  they  are 
really  in  more  than  two  rows;  sometimes  they  dis- 
tinctly show  that  there  is  more  than  one  layer.  See 
Mnium  (p.  138)  and  Aulacomnium  heterostichum  (p. 
140).  Among  the  pleurocarpous  mosses  the  flattened 
appearance  is  more  common,  but  the  manner  of  growth 
and  the  branching  is  very  different  from  that  of  Fissi- 
dens.   See  especially  Neckera  (p.  185)  and  Homalia 

(p.  186). 

Fissidens  more  closely  resembles  some  of  the  leafy 
hepatics  than  any  of  the  mosses.  Both  the  hepatics 
and  Fissidens  grow  on  rocks  and  moist  banks,  espe- 
cially along  streams,  and  it  is  often  necessary  to  gather 
the  plants  and  carefully  examine  them  to  tell  them 
apart.  The  leaves  of  Fissidens  lie  flat  when  moist,  are 


FISSIDENTACEAE  99 

pointed,  and  when  held  to  the  light  the  midrib  can 
usually  be  seen  even  if  the  double  portion  does  not 
clearly  show;  while  the  leaves  of  hepatics  are  rounded 
or  lobed,  usually  curled  under  at  the  tips,  and  there  is 
no  midrib.  See  Introduction  (p.  6).  The  stems  of 
leafy  hepatics  are  usually  much  branched  and  often 
interweave,  forming  tangled  mats,  while  the  stems  of 
Fissidcns  are  not  much  branched  and  can  be  easily 
separated. 


Family  POTTIACEAE 

A  VERY  large  family,  occurring  chiefly  in  the  tem- 
perate zones.  Our  common  genera  are  found  on  the 
ground  and  on  rocks. 

II.    WEISIA    Hedw.     (Weis-i-a) 

A  genus  containing  many  species.  Named  after 
Weis,  a  botanist  of  Gottingen,  Germany. 

The  only  species  of  this  genus  found  in  our  range  is 
Weisia  viridula  (L.)  Hedw.  It  grows  on  bare  earth 
along  roadsides,  on  banks,  or  in  fields,  sometimes  on 
soil  newly  turned  over  in  woods,  but  it  is 
rarely  collected.   The  fruit  is  abundant. 

Plants  crowded  together;  yellow-green;  thickly 
covered  with  fruit. 

Stems  erect,  very  short,  less  than  %  inch  long, 
usually  about  %  inch. 
Natural       Leaves  long,  narrow,  hair-like,  spreading  when 
size  and  en-    moist;  somewhat  crisped   when   dry;   yellow- 

larged. 

green. 

Seta  %  inch  long  or  less,  greenish-yellow. 

Capsule  short  cylindrical,  oval  or  elliptical,  erect;  reddish- 
brown;  mature  in  spring. 

Operculum  long-beaked,  not  easily  seen. 

Range,  Canada;  United  States;  Europe;  Asia;  Africa; 
New  Zealand;  Tasmania. 


POTTIACEAE  loi 

The  stems  of  Weisia  are  so  short  that  it  is  not  likely 
to  be  collected  except  when  in  fruit.  The  small  size  of 
the  plants,  long  hair-like  leaves,  short  seta,  and  short 
capsule,  all  help  to  distinguish  Weisia  from  other 
mosses.  It  is  nearest  in  size  to  Pottia  (p.  io6),  but  the 
leaves  of  Pottia  are  much  broader  and  the  capsule  is 
top-shaped.  Ditrichum  pallidum  (p.  80)  has  short 
stems,  hair-like  leaves,  and  yellow  seta,  but  the  seta  is 
much  longer  and  the  capsule  is  larger.  In  Dicranella 
(p.  84)  the  hair-like  leaves  are  turned  to  one  side. 
Tortella  caespitosa  (p.  103)  is  another  short-stemmed 
moss,  but  the  leaves  are  much  broader,  more  crisped 
when  dry,  and  the  capsule  is  longer. 

12.     HYMENOSTYLIUM     Brid. 

(Hy-men-o-sty-li-um) 

A  genus  of  wide  distribution,  containing  several 
species  occurring  chiefly  in  limestone  re- 
gions.   Name   derived   from   the   Greek, 
referring  to  the  structure  of  the  capsule. 

Hymenostylium  curvirostre  (Ehrh.) 
Lindb.  (Gymnostomiim  curvirostre  Hedw.) 
is  found  in  our  range.  EynunostyUum 

curvirostre 

Plants  thickly  crowded  together,  growing  on      Capsule  en- 
moist  rocks,  usually  limestone,  in  mountainous 
or  hilly  regions,  and  along  the  coast;  hrigJit  green  above, 
brownish  below;  not  common;  fruit  sometimes  abundant. 

Stems  erect,  very  slender,  ^-4  inches  long;  branched. 


102         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

Leaves  hair-like,  hut  short;  erect  or  somewhat  spreading 
when  moist;  only  shghtly  twisted  and  more  erect  when  dry; 
usually  bright  green  in  the  new  growth,  brown  below. 

Seta  not  more  than  }4  inch  long;  yellowish  or  light  reddish- 
brown. 

Capsule  erect,  symmetrical,  oval,  very  small;  reddish- 
brown;  mature  in  summer. 

Operculum  with  a  long  oblique  beak,  not  easily  seen  with- 
out a  lens. 

Range,  Labrador  to  Alaska,  south  to  California  and 
South  Carolina;  Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 

Hymenostylium  curvirostre  occurs  chiefly  07i  wet  cliffs 
in  limestone  regions.  The  plants  often  form  a  deep, 
dense  growth,  conspicuously  green  for  about  one-quarter 
of  an  inch,  and  then  brown  below.  The  fruit  is  some- 
times abundant.  If  the  capsule  is  examined  under  a 
lens  it  will  be  seen  that  there  is  no  peristome.  See 
Didymodon  (p.  104). 

13.     TORTELLA     (C.  Mull.)     Limpr.     (Tor-tel-la) 

A  cosmopolitan  genus  containing  many  species. 
Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for  '*  twisted,"  referring 
to  the  twisted  teeth  of  the  peristome. 

The  two  species  occurring  in  our  range  are  found  on 
earth,  rocks,  and  roots  of  trees;  not  common;  fruit 
occasional. 

Plants  crowded  together;  green  or  yellowish-green. 
Leaves  long  and  narrow;  much  crisped  when  dry;  green  or 
yellowish-green. 


POTTIACEAE  103 

Seta  more  than  %  inch  long;  orange-brown. 
Capsule  long-cylindrical,  erect;  orange-brown;  mature  in 
June. 

Operculum  long-beaked. 

Stems  erect,  more  than  >^  inch  long.      T.  tortuosa. 
Stems  erect,  less  than  ^  inch  long.         T.  caespitosa. 


Tortella  tortuosa  Tortclla  caespitosa 

Leaf  and  peristome  enlarged.  Leaf  enlarged. 

Tortella  tortuosa  (L.)  Limpr.  \s  found  on  rocks  in 
mountainous  or  hilly  regions. 

Range,  Greenland;  Canada;  northern  United  States; 
Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 

The  stems  of  this  species  are  usually  i  or  2  inches 
long,  robust,  yellowish-green  above,  brown  below,  and 
covered  with  brown  radicles. 

Tortella  caespitosa  (Schwaegr.)  Limpr.  (Barbula 
caespitosa  Schwaegr.)  is  a  much  smaller  species  than  T, 
tortuosa.  It  grows  on  earth  and  roots  of  trees  in  the  woods. 

Range,  Ontario  and  New  England  to  the  Gulf  States, 
west  to  British  Columbia;  Mexico;  South  America;  Europe; 
Asia;  Africa. 


I04        HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

The  two  species  described  above  are  not  among  our 
common  mosses.  The  long  slender  leaves,  becoming 
much  curled  and  crisped  when  dry,  and  the  long,  slender^ 
erect  capsule  are  distinguishing  characteristics.  If  the 
plants  are  found  in  fruit,  the  student  will  be  well  repaid 
to  examine  the  peristome  with  a  lens.  The  long  teeth 
are  shaded  from  orange-red  to  yellow,  and  are  spirally 
twisted.  The  peristome  of  Barhula  (p.  105)  and  Tortula 
(p.  107)  is  similar  to  that  of  Tortella. 

14.     DIDYMODON     Hedw.     (Di-dym-o-don) 

A  genus  of  many  species  occurring  in  limestone  re- 
gions. Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for  ''  twin  "  and 
"  tooth,"  referring  to  the  divided  teeth  of  the  peristome. 
Didymodon  rubellus   (Hoffm.)  Bryol.  Eur.  is  found 
on  wet  ledges  and  rocks,  usually  limestone, 
in  mountainous  or  hilly  regions;  not  com- 
mon; fruit  sometimes  abundant. 


Plants  growing  close  together;  bright  or  dark 
green  above,  rusty -red  below. 
Didymodon         Stems  usually  less  than  i  inch  long;  branched. 
rubellus  Leaves  hair-like;  wide-spreading  when  moist; 

Leaf  and     somewhat   crisped  when  dry;  bright  or  dark 
lar^ed^^  ^""     g^^^n  above,  rusty-red  on  lower  part  of  stem. 
Seta  about  ^  inch  long;  reddish. 
Capsule  erect,  cylindrical;  reddish-brown ;   mature   in 
summer. 

Operculum  long-beaked. 

Range,  Alaska,  Canada,  and  the  northern  United  States; 
Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 


POTTIACEAE  105 

Didymodon  is  to  be  expected  on  the  hills  and  moun- 
tains of  limestone  regions.  The  conspicuous  charac- 
teristic is  the  rusty-red  color  of  the  lower  leaves,  which 
distinguishes  this  species  from  other  mosses  of  the 
same  locality. 

15.     BARBULA    Hedw.     (Bar-bu-la) 

A  large  genus  widely  distributed.  But  two  species 
are  described  here  and  they  are  not  common.  Name 
derived  from  the  Latin  for  ''beard,"  referring  to  the 
peristome. 

Barbula  unguiculata  (Huds.)  Hedw.  is  found  on  the 
ground  and  on  stones;  sometimes  on  stone 
walls. 

Barbula  convoluta  Hedw.  grows  on  the 
ground  in  rather  dry  places. 

Plants  growing  close  together;  yellow-green;      Barbula 
fruit  often  abundant.  unguiculata 

Stems  erect,  short,  usually  less  than  }^  inch       laJgeT" 
long. 

Leaves^  if  large  enough  to  be  seen,  short  and  hair-like; 
much  crisped  when  dry. 

Seta  about  >^  inch  long;  reddish-brown  in  B.  unguiculata; 
yellowish  in  B.  convoluta,  becoming  reddish  with  age. 

Capstde  long-cylindrical ,  erect. 

Peristome  twisted  as  in  Tortclla  (p.  102),  and  Tartula 
(p.  107). 

Operculum  long-beaked. 

Range,  Canada  and  the  northern  and  western  United 
States;  Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 


io6         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

The  beginner  will  not  be  likely  to  collect  the  Bar- 
hulas^  unless  fruited,  as  even  moist  plants  are  so  small 
and  inconspicuous;  and  when  dry,  they  look  very  much 
dried-up  on  account  of  the  tightly  curled  leaves.  When 
not  fruited,  the  short  stems  and  the  leaves  crisped  when 
dry  are  the  only  distinguishing  characteristics.  Barhula 
is  common  south  and  west  of  our  range.  See  Ditrichum 
(p.  78),  Georgia  (p.  154),  and  Encalypta  (p.  108). 

16.    POTTIA    Ehrh.     (P6tt-i-a) 

A  large  genus  widely  distributed.  But  one  species 
occurs  in  our  range.  Named  after  Pott,  a  professor  of 
botany  in  Brunswick,  Germany. 

Pottia  truncatula  (L.)  Lindb.  grows  on  the  ground 
in  moist  places;  not  common;  fruit  usually  abundant. 

Plants  growing  close  together;  dull  green. 

Stems  erect,  very  short,  about  }i  inch  long. 
Leaves  short  and  broad;  usually  easily  seen 
when  moist;  slightly  crisped  when  dry;  dull 
green. 

Seta  short,  %  to  y%  inch  long;  yellow-brown. 
Leaf  and        Capsule  top-shaped,  erect;  reddish-brown;  ma- 
capsule  en-    ture  in  autumn. 

larked 

Operculum  short-beaked,  not  easily  seen. 
Range,  Quebec   and   New   England   to   Pennsylvania; 
Nevada;  Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 

Pottia  is  not  very  common,  but  is  easily  recognized 
by  the  top-shaped  capsules.  The  only  other  moss  with  a 


POTTIACEAE  107 

similar  capsule  is  Physcomitrium,  which  is  a  little  larger 
and  more  common  than  Pottia.  It  also  has  short  stems 
and  leaves  similar  in  shape,  but  lighter  colored;  the 
seta  is  longer  and  the  capsule  is  larger,  lighter  colored, 
and  more  urn-shaped;  that  is,  with  the  outline  more 
curved.  See  illustration  of  Physcomitrium  (p.  122). 
Weisia  (p.  100)  resembles  Pottia  in  size,  but  the  leaves 
are  hair-like  and  the  capsule  is  cylindrical  and  more 
slender  than  that  of  Pottia. 

17.     TORTULA     Hedw.     (Tor-tu-la) 

A  large  genus  widely  distributed.  But  two  species 
are  described  here,  and  they  are  very  rare.  Name 
derived  from  the  Latin  for  "  twisted,"  referring  to  the 
peristome. 

Plants  growing  close  together  on  rocks  and  on  trees  in 
dense  cushions  or  patches;  light  or  dark  green;  fruit  some- 
times abundant  in  T.  muralis. 

Stems  erect,  short,  about  /4  inch  long,  or  less. 

Leaves  broad  and  short  in  T.  papulosa;  longer  in  T. 
muralis,  with  the  midrib  extending  beyond  the  leaf  in  a 
hair-like  tip,  not  easily  seen  without  a  lens;  only  slightly 
crisped  when  dry;  light  or  dark  green. 

Seta  in  T.  muralis  about  H  inch  long;  yellowish  to  reddish. 

Capsule  in  T.  muralis  long-cylindrical,  erect;  yellowish 
or  reddish;  mature  in  spring. 

Peristome  twisted  as  in  Tortclla  (p.  102)  and  Barhula 
(p.  105).   Seen  with  a  lens. 

Operculum  long-beaked. 


io8         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

Tortula  muralis  (L.)  Hedw.  is  a  rare  species  in  the 
eastern  United  States,  growing  on  walls  and 
sunny  rocks.  The  leaves  of  this  species  are  four 
or  five  times  longer  than  the  broadest  part, 
slightly  crisped  when  dry;  dull  or  brighter  green; 
hoary  from  white,  hair-like  tips.  The  seta  is 
orange  when  young,  growing  darker  with  age; 
the  fruit,  sometimes  abundant,  is  mature  in 
larged!"    the  Spring.   Compare  Encalypta  (p.  no). 

Range,  throughout  North  America,  a  cosmopoHtan. 

Tortula  papulosa  Wils.  is  also  a  very  rare  species.  // 
grows  on  the  hark  of  trees,  less  frequently  on  rocks.  The 
fruit  has  not  been  reported  from  America.  The 
leaves  are  dark  or  olive-green,  short  and  broad, 
Tortida  ^nd  fold  against  the  stem  when  dry,  much  like 
papulosa  ^j^Qgg  oi  Orthotrichum  (p.  117).  Orthotrichum 
occurs  much  more  frequently,  the  stems  are  usually 
longer,  the  leaves  longer  and  more  gradually  pointed, 
and  the  fruit  can  usually  be  found. 

Range,  throughout  the  northern  Atlantic  States;  South 
America;  Europe;  Australia;  New  Zealand;  Tasmania. 

18.    ENCALYPTA    Schreb.     (En-ca-lyp-ta) 

A  cosmopolitan  genus  containing  many  species,  two 
of  which,  rarely  collected,  are  described  below.  Name 
from  the  Greek,  meaning  "  to  cover  with  a  veil,"  refer- 
ring to  the  large  calyptra. 


ft. 


POTTIACEAE  109 

Plants  growin<T  close  together  on  rocks  or  soil  in  moun- 
tainous or  hilly  regions,  especially  limestone  country;  green 
above,  brownish  below;  sometimes  well  fruited 
in  E.  ciliata;  rare. 

Stems  erect,  robust,  usually  ^^-3  inches  long; 
branched. 

Leaves  relatively  sJwrt  and  broad,  usually  at 
least  y^  inch  long ;  spreading  when  moist ;  sotne-        ^ 
what  crisped  when  dry  with  tips  incurved;  green     Encalypta 
above,  brownish  below.  "^^'^^ 

Seta  usually  about  %  inch  long;  yellowish  or  calyptra en- 
reddish,  larged. 

Capsule  in  E.  ciliata  erect,  long-cylindrical ;  reddish-brown ; 
mature  in  summer. 

Calyptra  long-cylindrical,  closely  covering  the  entire 
capsule ;  straw-colored. 

Operculum  long-beaked. 

Encalypta  ciliata  (Hedw.)  Hoffm.  has  stems  about 
}i  inch  long.  The  plants  are  sometunes  well  fruited 
when  found,  but  are  less  common  than  the  following 
species. 

Range,  Arctic  America,  Canada,  and  the  northern  United 
States;  Europe;  Asia;  Africa;  Australia;  Hawaiian  Islands. 

Encalypta  contorta  (Wulf.)  Lindb.  {E.  strcptocarpa 
Hedw.)  is  a  larger  species  with  stems  1-3  inches  long. 
Sterile  plants  are  frequent  in  limestone  regions,  but  the 
fruit  has  not  been  reported  from  America. 

Range,  Ontario  to  Virginia,  westward  to  the  Rocky 
Mountains;  Europe;  Asia. 


no        HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Encalypta  may  be  expected  only  in  the  higher  alti- 
tudes,  especially  in  limestone  regions.  The  distinguish- 
ing characteristics  are  the  leaf-tips  curving  in  when  dry, 
and  especially  the  cylindrical  calyptra,  when  present, 
closely  covering  the  capsule.  The  leaves  are  short  and 
broad  as  in  Barhula  (p.  105)  and  Tortula  (p.  107),  but 
they  are  larger  and  less  strongly  crisped.  The  stems 
are  also  more  robust. 


Family  GRIMMIACEAE 

A  FAMILY  containing  only  a  few  genera,  two  of  which 
are  given  below. 

19.     GRIMMIA    Ehrh.     (Grimm -i-a) 

A  genus  containing  a  great  many  species  widely  dis- 
tributed, growing  only  on  rocks  and  stones.  The  stems 
branch  by  forking  much  more  freely  than  most  of  the 
acrocarpous  mosses  and  they  are  often  ascending  in- 
stead of  erect,  so  that,  uPxlesG  one  can  find  the  capsules 
almost  hidden  at  the  tips  of  the  stems  and  branches, 
the  moss  is  likely  to  be  mistaken  for  pleurocarpous. 
Named  after  Grimm,  a  physician  and  botanist  of 
Gotha,  Germany. 

Grimmia  apocarpa  (L.)  Hedw.  and  G.  conferta 
Funck  are  the  two  species  most  frequently  collected, 
but  as  they  are  difficult  to  distinguish,  only  general 
characteristics  are  given. 

Grimmia  apocarpa  var.  rivularis  (Brid.)  Web.  &: 
Mohr  is  found  on  rocks  in  and  along  streams  and 
occurs  in  our  range.  The  steins  are  longer  than  the 
more  common  species,  reaching  from  2-4  inches, 
freely  branched,  and  leajlcss  in  the  lower  part.    Other 


112         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

characteristics  are  the  same  as  those  given  below.  This 
form  of  Grimmia  may  be  confused  with  Rhacomitrium, 
the  following  genus,  and  the  pleurocarpous  mosses 
growing  on  rocks  in  streams  and  having  the  lower 
part  of  the  stem  leafless.  See  Hygroamhlystegium 
(p.  21 1).  Like  all  acrocarpous  mosses  single  plants 
are  easily  separated,  while  the  pleurocarpous  mosses 
usually  form  such  tangled  mats  that  no  great  length 
of  the  stem  can  be  pulled  out. 

Plants  growing  in  rather  loose  tufts,  on  rocks;  dull  olive- 
green  or  brownish  except  at  the  young  tips,  which  are  a 
brighter  green;  common;  fruit  common. 

Stems  erect  or  ascending;  usually  not  more  than 
I  inch  long,  except  in  var.  rivularis;  branching 
somewhat  freely;  stijff  when  dry. 

Leaves  long  and  narrow,  about  five  times 
^  .  .  longer  than  broadest  part,  sometimes  ending  in 
apocarpa  a  white  hair-point  giving  the  plants  a  hoary  ap- 
Capsule  pearance;  spreading  when  moist;  closely  folded 
enlarged,  -^hen  dry;  dull  olive-green,  or  brownish. 
Seta  very  short,  hidden  in  leaves. 

Capsule  almost  hidden  at  the  tips  of  the  branches,  oval, 
erect;  mature  in  late  spring. 

Operculum  short-beaked;  bright  red,  appearing  like  a  red 
tip  to  the  branch,  as  the  rest  of  the  capsule  is  so  hidden  by 
the  leaves. 
Range,  almost  cosmopolitan. 

The  Grimmias  grow  in  such  small  dark  patches  that 
they  do  not  often  attract  the  eye  except  after  rain, 
when  the  leaves  are  well  spread  and  lighter  colored,  and 


GRIMMIACEAE  113 

especially  when  the  plants  are  well  fruited  and  the 
operculum  shows  bright  red  at  the  tips  of  the  branches. 
The  stems  are  more  branched  than  any  of  the  acrocarp- 
ous mosses  except  Rhacomitrium  (p.  114)  and  the  Ortho- 
trichaceae  (p.  116),  but  the  fruit  is  always  terminal, 
which  shows  the  plants  are  not  pleurocarpous  mosses. 
The  common  species  of  Orthotrichum  (p.  117)  and 
Ulota  (p.  119),  that  grow  on  rocks  and  most  closely 
resemble  Grimmia,  have  the  capsule  more  exserted,  but 
if  the  plants  are  not  in  fruit  the  looser,  darker  growth 
of  Grimmia,  with  stems  usually  longer  and  more  slen- 
der, are  the  only  distinguishing  characteristics.  In  the 
pleurocarpous  mosses,  Hedwigia  (p.  172)  grows  on 
rocks  and  has  the  capsule  almost  concealed  by  leaves, 
but  it  is  lateral  instead  of  terminal  as  in  Grimmia,  and 
the  plants  usually  occur  in  larger  patches,  are  more 
branched,  and  are  a  grayer  green.  See  Andreaea 
(P-  75). 

20.     RHACOMITRIUM    Brid.     (Rha-co-mi-tri-um) 

A  large  cosmopolitan  genus.  Named  from  the  Greek 
for  a  ''  frayed  cap,"  referring  to  the  calyptra,  which  is 
often  ragged  at  the  base. 

Rhacomitrium  aciculare  (L.)  Brid.  is  the  common 
species  of  this  genus,  and  is  found  on  rocks  along 
streams,  especially  in  mountainous  or  hilly  regions. 
The  fruit  is  not  common. 


114         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

Plants  growing  in  wide,  loose  patches ;  dull  dark  green, 
often  becoming  blackish. 

Stems  usually  1-2  inches  long ;  stout;  pros- 
trate to  ascending,  with  ends  of  branches  erect; 
the  lower  part  of  the  stem  leafless;  branched 
by  forking. 

Leaves  short  and  broad;  wide-spreading  when 
moist;  closely  folded  when  dry ;  very  dark  ex- 
cept at  tips  of  branches. 
Rhacomitrium        Seta  about  ^  inch  long ;  dark  brown ;  some- 
aticulare        times  appearing  lateral  by  the  new  growth 

Leaf  enlarged,      of  the  plant. 

Capsule  erect,  elliptical;  red-brown;  mature  in  spring. 
Operculum  long-beaked. 

Range,  Alaska,  Canada,  south  to  California  and  Ala- 
bama; Europe;  Africa. 

Rhacomitrium  resembles  Grimmia,  the  preceding 
genus,  in  manner  of  growth  and  branching,  but  the 
common  species  described  above  is  found  on  rocks 
along  streams,  sometimes  overflowed,  while  the  com- 
mon Grimmias  usually  grow  on  rocks  in  woods.  The 
stems  and  branches  are  stouter  and  longer,  except  in 
G.  apocarpa  var.  rivulare,  the  leaves  broader,  and  more 
separated,  and  if  the  plants  are  fruited  there  is  no  diffl- 
culty  in  distinguishing  the  two  genera.  The  species 
of  Orthotrichum  and  Ulota  (pp.  117,  119)  that  occur 
on  rocks  are  dark  and  somewhat  branched;  but  like 
Grhnmia  they  are  also  found  in  woods  instead  of 
along  streams;  the  stems  are  shorter,  and  the  plants 
grow  in  closer  tufts.    Associated  with  Rhacomitrium  is 


GRIMMIACEAE  115 

sometimes  found  a  pleurocarpous  moss,  Hygrohypnum 
eugyrium  (p.  220).  The  leaves  of  Hygrohypnum  are 
lighter  green,  more  or  less  curved  and  turned  to  one 
side,  and  do  not  closely  fold  against  the  stem  when  dry; 
the  stems  are  more  branched,  and  the  capsule  is  lateral, 
curved  and  inclined,  instead  of  terminal,  symmetrical, 
and  erect  as  in  Rhacomitrium. 


Family  ORTHOTRICHACEAE 

A  FAMILY  containing  several  genera,  two  of  which, 
Orthotrichum  and  Ulota,  are  widely  distributed  and  a 
third,  Drummondia,  is  occasionally  found  in  our  range. 

21.    DRUMMONDIA    Hook.     (Drum-mond-i-a) 

A  small  genus,  but  one  species  occurring  in  our 
range.  Named  after  Thomas  Drummond,  an  American 
botanist  and  collector. 

Drummondia  clavellata  Hook,  grows  on  trunks  of 
trees  —  very  rarely  on  rocks  —  in  the  woods,  but  is 
only  occasionally  found.  It  is  the  one  species  of  the 
acrocarpous  mosses  most  likely  to  be  mistaken  for  a 
pleurocarpous  moss,  as  the  stems  are  creeping  with 
numerous  erect  branches;  but  the  fruit  is  always  terminal. 

Plants  growing  on  trunks  of  trees  in  flat,  often  dense, 
mats;  rather  dark  green  above,  blackish  below;  fruit  some- 
times abundant. 

Stems,  long,  creeping;  with  numerous 
stout,  erect  branches  usually  ^-/^  inch 
Drummondia  clavellata  i^^g,  SO  thickly  set  that  the  Stem  is 
almost  wholly  concealed. 

Leaves  short  and  broad,  often  too  small  to  show  entire 
outline;  somewhat  spreading  when  moist;  closely  folded 
when  dry. 


ORTHOTRICHACEAE  117 

Seta  about  %  ii^ch  long;  yellowish-brown. 

Capsule  short,  oval,  erect;  light  brown;  mature  in  sum- 
mer. 

Operculum  long-beaked. 

Range,  Ontario  and  New  England,  south  to  Alabama  and 
Missouri;  Asia. 

Drunimondia,  when  collected  fruiting,  will  both  inter- 
est and  puzzle  the  beginner,  as  the  stems  are  creeping 
and  much  branched,  while  the  fruit  is  terminal.  The 
stems  adhere  so  closely  to  the  bark  of  the  tree  that  it  is 
not  easy  to  remove  much  of  the  specimen  unless  the 
bark  is  cut.  If  only  tufts  of  branches  are  removed,  the 
creeping  stem  is  not  noticed  and  the  moss  will  most 
likely  be  mistaken  for  Orthotrichum,  the  following 
genus,  as  the  leaves  fold  in  much  the  same  way.  But 
when  long  creeping  stems  covered  with  short  erect 
branches  run  out  from  the  dense  mats,  the  grow^th  is 
much  like  that  of  a  pleurocarpous  moss,  except  that 
when  the  fruit  is  found  it  will  be  at  the  tips  of  the 
branches.  No  pleurocarpous  moss  growing  on  trees  has 
such  short  thick  branches,  and  the  fruit  is  always 
lateral. 

22.     ORTHOTRICHUM    Hedw.     (Or-tho-tri-chum) 

A  large  and  cosmopolitan  genus  occurring  on  trees 
and  on  rocks.  Several  species  are  found  in  our  range. 
Name  derived  from  two  Greek  words  for  ''  upright  " 
and  "  hair,"  referring  to  the  erect  hairs  on  the  cahptra. 


ii8         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

Plants  growing  on  trees,  often  apple  trees,  and  on  rocks, 
in  small  dark-green  tufts;  common;  fruit  common. 

Stems  erect  or  ascending;  short,  usually  about  %  inch 
long;  sometimes  branched. 

ffl         ^  Leaves  about  four  or  five  times  longer 

m^     /|         than    broadest    part,    sometimes   too 
K^     (y         small  to  show  outline;  wide- spreading 

when  moist;  folded  straight  against  stem 

a.  0.  sordjdum.  ,         , 

b.  0.  anomalum.  '^^en  dry. 

c.  Capsule  of  0.  Br aunii.        Seta  SO  short  that  it  rarely  shows  above 

enarge  .  leaves,  except  in  one  of  the  common 

rock-inhabiting  species,  O.  anmnalum,  when  it  is  longer  and 
yellowish. 

Capsule  erect,  cylindrical  or  elliptical,  with  a  tapering 
neck,  usually  partly  concealed  by  leaves;  yellowish  or  red- 
dish; mature  in  spring. 

Calyptra  thinly  covered  with  hairs. 

Operculum  cone-shaped  or  short-beaked,  not  easily  seen. 

Range,  a  cosmopolitan  genus. 

The  Orthotrichums  will  be  found  on  trees  or  rocks  in 
the  open  as  well  as  in  the  woods.  The  species  are  not 
easily  distinguished,  but  the  generic  characters,  the 
partially  concealed  capsule,  except  in  0.  anomalum, 
which  grows  on  rocks,  and  the  leaves  folding  straight 
when  dry,  can  be  readily  recognized.  These  mosses 
most  closely  resemble  the  Ulotas  (p.  120),  but  in  Ulota 
the  leaves  are  strongly  crisped  when  dry,  except  in  U. 
americana;  the  seta  is  longer  so  that  the  capsule  is  not 
partly  concealed  by  leaves,  and  the  calyptra  is  con- 
spicuously covered  with  hairs.  The  exceptions  to  the 
characteristics  given  above,  Orthotrichum  anomalum 


ORTIIOTRICHACEAE  1 19 

Hedw.  and  Ulota  americana,  both  grow  on  rocks  and 
closely  resemble  each  other,  as  in  both  species  the  cap- 
sule is  raised  above  the  leaves,  and  the  leaves  are  not 
crisped  when  dry.  If  the  plants  are  not  fruited,  the 
beginner  will  not  be  able  to  identify  them,  but  if  the 
fruit  can  be  found  there  is  one  character  that  differs 
slightly.  In  the  Orthotrichum,  when  the  capsule  is  dry 
and  empt}^  it  suddenly  tapers  at  the  base,  while  in  the 
Ulota  it  tapers  more  gradually.  The  Ulota  will  proba- 
bly be  more  frequently  collected. 

See  also  Andreaea  (p.  75),  Grimmia  (p.  iii),  and 
Drummondia  (p.  116). 

Orthotrichum  Braunii  Br>^ol.  Eur.  (0.  strangiilatum 
Sull.)  is  a  fairly  common  species  and  can  be  easily  recog- 
nized when  fruited,  by  the  capsule  greatly  contracted 
below  the  mouth  w^hen  dry  and  empty,  so  that  it  re- 
sembles a  vase  in  outline.  The  other  species  have  the 
capsule  only  slightly  or  not  at  all  contracted. 

23.     ULOTA     Mohr     (U-lo-ta) 

A  genus  containing  many  species,  four  of  w^hich  can 
be  found  in  our  range.  The  name  is  derived  from  the 
Greek  for  "something  curled,"  referring  to  the  leaves 
curled  or  crisped  when  dry. 

rJants  growing  on  trees  and  on  rocks,  usually  forming 
small  rounded  cushions;  yellow-green  to  dark  green;  com- 


I20         HOW   TO    KNOW   THE    MOSSES 

mon  in  mountainous  or  hilly  regions  and  along  the  coast; 
often  fruiting  abundantly. 

Stems  erect  or  ascending;  stout;  short,  less  than  i  inch, 
usually  about  ^2  inch  long ;  sparingly  branched. 

Leaves  long  and  narrow,  five  to  seven  times 
longer  than  broadest  part;  spreading  when  moist; 
strongly  crisped  when  dry,  except  in  U.  americana, 
which  grows  on  rocks  and  has  leaves  folded 
straight  when  dry. 
Ulota  Seta  short,  ^i-y-z  inch  long;  yellowish. 

Capsule  erect,  cylindrical,  elliptical,  or  pear- 
enlarged!     shaped,  with  tapering  neck;  yellowish;  mature  in 
spring  or  summer. 
Calyptra  large,  covering  the  capsule;  corn-colored;  hairy. 
Operculum  cone-shaped  or  short-beaked,  not  easily  seen. 
Range,  a  cosmopolitan  genus. 

Additional  characteristics  seen  with  hand-lens;  erect 
hairs  on  calyptra;  capsule  grooved  (striate);  peristome 
double,  outer  row  of  teeth  short  and  broad,  recurved  when 
dry  except  in  U.  Ludwigii. 

The  compact,  rounded  cushions  of  Ulota  will  be 
found  especially  in  sub-alpine  woods.  One  species 
Ulota  americana  (Palis.)  Limpr.  {U.  Hutchinsiae  (Sm.) 
Hammar)  grows  only  on  rocks,  while  three  other  spe- 
cies, occurring  in  our  range,  Ulota  Ludwigii  Brid., 
Ulota  ulophylla  (Ehrh.)  Broth.  {U.  oris  pa.  Bvid.),3ind 
Ulota  phyllantha  Brid.  are  found  on  trees.  Very  rarely 
U.  ulophylla  and  U.  phyllantha  occur  on  rocks. 

The  Ulotas  are  similar  to  the  Orthotrichums  in  habi- 
tat and  growth,  but  differ  from  them  in  having  the 
calyptra  more  hairy  and  the  leaves  crisped  when  dry. 


ORTHOTRICHACEAE  121 

except  in  U.  amcricana,  which  grows  on  rocks  and  has 
the  leaves  folded  straight  when  dry,  and  cannot  be 
easily  distinguished  from  Orthotrichum  anomalum.  For 
comparison  with  that  species  see  p.  118.  U.  Ludwigii 
and  U.  ulophylla  are  the  common  species  found  on 
trees.  They  are  distinguished  from  each  other  by  cer- 
tain characteristics  of  the  capsules  that  are  not  always 
clearly  defined.  Typically  the  capsule  of  U.  Ludwigii 
is  pear-shaped,  with  a  very  narrow  mouth,  while  in  U. 
ulophylla  the  capsule  is  contracted  below  a  much 
wider  mouth,  then  gradually  narrowed  toward  the 
base.  Ulota  phyllaniha,  which  also  grows  on  trees, 
more  rarely  on  rocks,  is  a  larger,  more  robust  species 
than  the  preceding,  is  less  frequent,  and  very  rarely 
fruits. 


Family  FUNARIACEAE 

A  FAMILY  containing  several  genera,  two  of  which  are 
common  in  our  range. 

24.     PHYSCOMITRIUM     (Brid.)     Furnr. 
(Phys-co-mi-tri-um) 

A  genus  containing  many  species,  only  one  of  which 
is  common.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for  a ''  blad- 
der "  and  a  "  cap,"  referring  to  the  calyptra. 

Physcomitrium  turbinatum  (Michx.)  Brid.,  given  as 
P.  pyriforme  by  some  authors,  is  found  on  damp  soil 
in  fields  and  gardens  and  along  roadsides; 
common;  fruit  abundant. 


Plants  growing  close  together  or  somewhat 
scattered;  light  green. 
Stems  erect;  very  short,  less  than  ^  inch, 
Physcomitrium    often  Only  /^  inch  long. 

ur  ma  urn  Leaves  broad  and  flat;  spreading  when  moist ; 

^ukenkrgeT    ^  little  Crisped  when  dry;  light  green. 

Seta  usually  not  much  more  than  %  inch 
high;  yellowish  in  spring,  becoming  reddish-brown  with  age. 
Capsule  erect,  urn-shaped;  light  colored  in  spring,  becom- 
ing darker;  mature  in  May  or  June. 
Operculum  cone-shaped. 
Range,  Quebec  to  Florida,  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains. 


FUNARIACEAE  123 

Pkyscomitrium  turhinatum  is  conspicuous,  especially 
in  the  spring,  on  account  of  the  light  color  of  the 
leaves  and  fruit.  The  capsule  is  the  distinguishing  char- 
acter. It  is  contracted  below  the  mouth  and  again  at 
the  base  making  it  urn-shaped.  In  some  specimens  this 
is  much  more  clearly  seen  than  in  others.  There  will  be 
no  diflkulty  in  distinguishing  Physcomitrium  when 
fruited  from  other  mosses  except  Pottia.  For  compari- 
son with  that  genus  see  p.  106.  If  the  plants  are  not 
fruited,  they  are  not  likely  to  be  collected.  The  light 
color  of  the  leaves  is  not  a  sufficient  characteristic  to  go 
by,  as  the  very  young  growth  of  any  moss  may  be  light 
green.  For  instance,  the  early  sterile  growth  of  Cathari- 
naea  (p.  158),  when  the  stems  are  short  and  the  leaves 
broader  and  lighter  green  than  when  well  developed, 
might  be  mistaken  for  Physcomitrium,  but  Catharinaea 
occurs  much  more  frequently  and  grows  more  exten- 
sively, and  the  leaves  have  a  broader  midrib,  which 
can  usually  be  seen  when  the  plants  are  held  to  the 
light. 

25.     FUNARIA     Schreb.     (Fu-na-ri-a) 

A  cosmopolitan  genus  of  a  great  many  species.  Name 
derived  from  the  Latin  for  "  cord,"  referring  to  the 
twisted  seta. 

Funaria  hygrometrica  (L.)  Sibth.  is  very  common 
and  fruits  abundantly. 


124        HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Plants  growing  close  together,  rarely  scattered,  on  the 
ground  in  woods  or  in  the  open,  especially  on  burnt-over 
places;  sometimes  found  in  crevices  of  rock;  light  yellow- 
green. 

Stems  erect;  very  short,  less  than  %  inch  long. 
Leaves  short  and  broad  ;  light  yellow-green; 
folding  so  close  in  a  bulb-like  tuft  at  tip  of  stem 
/^^       that  the  outline  cannot  be  seen  unless  the 
^-^  /       leaves  are  separated  by  pressing  the  tuft  be- 
tween the  finger-tips. 

Seta  long,  1-2   inches;  shining;  greenish- 
yellow  when  young,  finally  becoming  reddish- 

Funaria        brown;  curved  and  twisted  when  dry,  quickly 
hygrometnca  \  ,  ^  7  -1  ^ 

c      1     ith    ^i^twisting  when  moistened, 
calyptra;   leaf        Capsule  pear-shaped,  unsymmetrical,  curved 
enlarged.  ^^  ^^^^  upper  side;  in  various  positions;  when 

young,  light  green,  yellow  or  orange,  becoming  reddish-brown 
and  grooved  with  age;  mouth  on  one  side;  when  not  too  old, 
with  a  bright-red  ring  around  it;  mature  in  May  or  June. 

Operculum  convex. 

Range,  a  cosmopolitan  species. 

Funaria  hygrometrica  often  covers  a  large  patch  of 
ground,  especially  in  burnt-over  places.  The  abundant, 
tall,  shining,  bright-colored  setae  make  the  plants  very 
conspicuous.  The  characteristic  capsule  is  easily  recog- 
nized even  before  maturity,  with  the  mouth  so  decid- 
edly on  one  side  that  it  often  becomes  quite  parallel  to 
the  axis  of  the  capsule,  and  the  seta  so  variously  curved 
that  no  two  capsules  seem  to  be  in  the  same  position. 
When  the  fruit  is  very  young,  Funaria  may  be  known 
by  the  much-curved  seta  and  the  long  pointed  calyptra 


FUNARIACEAE  125 

that  nearly  covers  the  then  slender  capsule,  all  pale 
yellow-green,  and  by  the  round  cluster  of  light-green 
leaves.  The  leaves  fold  so  closely,  even  when  moist, 
that  the  outline  cannot  be  seen  unless  the  bulb-like 
tuft  is  pressed  and  the  leaves  spread  apart.  The  leafy 
part  of  the  plant  is  so  small  that  it  is  doubtful  if  Fu- 
naria  is  ever  collected  except  when  fruited.  Mixed  with 
Funaria  is  often  a  taller,  sterile  growth  of  some  other 
moss  with  long  narrow  leaves,  so  that  care  must  be 
taken  to  separate  the  fruited  plants  to  see  the  character 
of  the  leaves. 


Family  BRYACEAE 

A  COSMOPOLITAN  family  containing  a  great  many 
species,  only  a  few  of  which  are  common  and  easily 
recognized. 

26.     LEPTOBRYUM     (Bryol.  Eur.)     Wils. 
(Lep-to-bry-um) 

A  genus  of  only  three  species.  Name  derived  from 
the  Greek  for  '^  slender,"  and  Bryum. 

Leptobryum  pyriforme  (L.)  Wils.  is  found  on  the 
ground,  on  rocks  or  stone  walls,  and  on  rotten  wood. 
It  is  fairly  common  and  usually  fruits  abun- 
dantly; sometimes  plants  with  unfertilized 
flowers  are  collected.   (See  below.) 


Plants  crowded  together;  light  green  or  yel- 
lowish-green. 

Stems  erect,  very  slender;  usually  >^-i  inch 
long. 

Leaves  very  fine,  long,  hair-like;  spreading, 
pyriforme     forming  a  tuft  at  tip  of  stem;  below  scattered 
Leaf  and     and  shorter, 
capsule  en-         ^^^^  j_2  inches  long;  orange-brown;  shining. 

Capsule    inclined   or   drooping;   pear-shaped 
with  a  distinct,  slender  neck;  reddish-brown;  mature  in  early 
summer. 
Operculum  convex,  not  easily  seen. 


BRYACEAE  127 

Range,  throughout  North  America;  South  America; 
Europe;  Asia;  Tasmania;  New  Zealand. 

Leptohryum  is  especially  conspicuous  when  fruited, 
as  the  long  setae  and  capsules  shine  lilvC  burnished  cop- 
per. The  combination  of  long  hair-like  leaves  and  pear- 
shaped  capsules  with  the  orange-brown  setae  easily  dis- 
tinguish Leptohryum  from  other  mosses  which  have 
only  one  of  these  characteristics.  Fimaria,  the  precede 
ing  genus,  and  the  two  following  genera,  Pohlia  and 
Bryum^  have  capsules  similar  to  those  of  Leptohryum, 
though  usually  not  so  small  or  with  the  neck  so  dis- 
tinct, and  the  leaves  are  not  hair-like.  Other  mosses 
with  spreading,  hair-like  leaves  have  a  yellowish  seta 
and  cylindrical  capsule.  See  Trematodon  (p.  77)  and 
Ditrichum  pallidum  (p.  80). 

It  is  not  uncommon  to  find  Leptohryum  not  fruited, 
but  with  unfertilized  flowers  appearing  like  tiny  dark 
dots  at  the  tips  of  the  stems  surrounded  by  the  long 
hair-like  leaves.  These  barren  plants  are  also  often 
mixed  with  the  fruited  ones. 

27.    POHLIA    Hedw.     (Pohl-i-a) 

A  genus  of  world-wide  distribution  containing  many 
species.  Named  after  Pohl,  a  professor  of  botany  in 
Dresden,  Germany. 

Pohlia  nutans  (Schreb.)  Lindb.  {Weber a  nutans 
Hedw.)  is  very  common,  and  found  almost  everywhere, 
often  fruiting  abundantly. 


128         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Plants  thickly  crowded  together,  growing  on  soil,  on 
rocks,  or  on  decaying  wood  in  the  woods  or  in  the  open; 
usually  rather  dark  green  above,  brownish 
P^         below. 

Slems  erect,  slender;  about  /^-i  inch  long; 
sometimes  branched  and  often  reddish. 
/^^  Leaves  long  and  narrow,  erect;  usually  form- 

''  ing  a  tuft  at  tip  of  stem;  below  smaller  and 

more  scattered;  rather  dark  green. 

Seta  varying  in  length  from  %-!%  inches; 
reddish-brown. 

Capsule    inclined,   horizontal   or   drooping; 
pear-shaped  or  club-shaped,  with  neck  not  very 
PoUia  nutans     (jig^inct;  stiU  green  even  when  well  filled  out, 
suie  enlarged"    ^^^^^Y  becoming  reddish-browH ;   mature  in 
early  summer. 
Operculum  convex. 
Range,  a  cosmopolitan  species. 

Pohlia  nutans  is  one  of  our  most  common  mosses, 
especially  conspicuous  in  spring  when  the  capsules  are 
light  green  or  yellowish,  changing  to  brown.  Its  favor- 
ite habitat  is  a  moist,  shaded  bank,  where  quite  an 
extensive  growth  is  often  seen,  sometimes  thickly  cov- 
ered with  fruit.  The  capsule  of  Pohlia  resembles  that 
of  Bryum,  the  following  genus,  with  the  neck  less  dis- 
tinctly marked  than  in  Leptobryum,  the  preceding 
genus.  Pohlia  can  usually  be  distinguished  from  Bryum 
by  the  longer  leaves  more  gradually  narrowed  from  the 
base.  In  some  species  of  Bryum  the  leaves  are  longer 
than  in  others,  but  they  are  widest  above  the  base  and 
never  look  so  long  and  slender  as  in  Pohlia.  Pohlia  is 


BRYACEAE  129 

by  far  much  more  common  than  Bryum,  and  therefore 
more  frequently  collected.  It  grows  in  larger  patches 
and  fruits  more  abundantly.  The  red  stems  are  not 
conspicuous  and  can  be  seen  in  the  taller  plants  only  by 
holding  them  in  a  good  light;  the  young,  sterile  growth 
shows  this  characteristic  as  well  as  any.  The  leaves  at 
this  stage  are  lighter  green  than  in  the  older  plants. 
For  comparison  of  sterile  growth  with  another  common 
moss  see  under  Ceratodon  (p.  83). 

28.     BRYUM     Dill.     (Bry-um) 

A  widely  distributed  genus  of  several  hundred  spe- 
cies, only  a  few  of  which  are  fairly  frequent.  Name 
derived  from  the  Greek  for  some  Crypto-  ^^ 
gamic  plant. 

Plants  growing  close  together  on  the  ground 
or  on  rocks,  rarely  on  decaying  wood;  yellow- 
ish-green to  dark  green,  sometimes  brown-  I  '^^\ 
ish;  silvery  in  B.  argentcum;  fruit  sometuncs 
abundant. 

Stems  erect;  about  ^  inch  long  except  in  ^^ 
B.  bimum,  when  they  may  reach  2  inches;  ^ 
often  reddish;  somewhat  branched.  Bryum 

Leaves  erect  or  spreading,  about  four  to  five      catsptUctum 
times  longer  than  broadest  part;  sometimes  too    ^^'"^^  ^"^'  *^^P' 

sulc  enlarged. 

small  to  be  seen  easily;  often  tufted  at  ti])  of 

stem;  yellowish-green  to  dark  green,  sometimes  brownish; 

silvery  in  B.  argenteum. 

Seta  %-2  inches  long;  reddish-brown. 

Capsule  inclined,  horizontal  or  drooping:  pear-shaped  or 


I30        HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

club-shaped,  with  neck  not  decidedly  marked;  reddish- 
brown;  mature  in  summer  or  autumn. 

Operculum  convex,  or  cone-shaped. 

Range:  The  following  species  are  cosmopolitan. 

Bryum  bimum  Schreb.  is  the  largest  of  the  common 
Bryums  and  is  found  in  moist  places  and  on  wet  ledges. 
The  stems  are  sometimes  2  inches  long  and  often  con- 
spicuously red,  covered  in  the  lower  part  with  reddish- 
brown  radicles.  The  leaves  are  four  to  five  times  longer 
than  broadest  part;  the  upper  ones  are  sometimes  red 
at  the  base  like  the  stem;  the  lower  ones  are  brown. 
The  seta  is  very  long,  i>^-2  inches,  and  the  capsule 
is  long  and  slender,  maturing  in  early  summer. 

Bryum  caespiticium  L.,  probably  the  most  common 
species,  is  found  on  dry  ground  and  on  rocks.  The 
stems  are  about  ^  inch  high,  and  the  leaves  are  usually 
yellowish-green,  about  four  to  five  times  longer  than 
broad.  The  seta  is  1-2  inches  long.  Fruit  mature  in 
early  summer. 

Bryum  argenteum  L.,  commonly  called  the  *^ silvery 
Bryum,"  is  known  at  once  by  the  silvery  ap- 
pearance of  the  older  plants  when  dry,  due  to 
the  lack  of  green  coloring  matter  in  the  upper 
part  of  the  leaves.  The  stems  are  usuall> 
less  than    ^A    inch   hisrh   and   are   smoothly 

Bryum  /  o  -' 

argenteum    cylindrical,  with  the  very  small  leaves,  too 
small  to  be  seen,  folding  closely  and  overlapping.  It  is 


BRYACEAE  131 

found  on  dry  ground,  on  rocks,  and  sometimes  in  the 
crevices  of  brick  walls  or  stone  walls.  The  seta  is 
short,  about  Yi  inch  long,  and  the  capsule  small, 
maturing  in  the  fall.  This  species  sometimes  fruits 
abundantly. 

Other  species  of  Bryiim  are  likely  to  be  collected 
occasionally  and  are  not  easily  identified,  but  the 
Bryum  capsule  is  readily  distinguished  from  all  others 
except  that  of  Pohlia.  See  under  that  genus  (p.  128)  for 
comparison.  The  capsule  of  Mnium  (p.  134)  is  hori- 
zontal or  drooping  like  that  of  Bryum,  but  the  Mnium 
capsule  is  cylindrical  throughout, — ■  that  is,  the  same 
width  throughout,  while  the  Bryum  capsule  has  a 
more  or  less  distinct  neck,  making  the  lower  part  nar- 
rower than  the  upper  portion;  yet  this  character  is  not 
so  marked  as  in  Leptobryum  (p.  126). 

29.     RHODOBRYUM     (Schimp.)     Hamp. 
(Rho-do-bry-um) 

A  genus  containing  many  species,  one  of  which  is  fre- 
quent and  so  strikingly  characteristic  that  it  is  easily 
recognized.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for  ''rose," 
and  Bryum,  referring  to  the  leaves  forming  a  rosette. 

Rhodobryum  ontariense  (Lindb.)  Paris  is  usually 
given  as  R.  roscum  (Weis)  Limpr.  {Bryum  roscuyn 
Schreb.);  but  the  plants  commonly  collected  in  our 
range  have  a  longer  midrib  than  is  described  under  R. 
roseum. 


132         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


Plants  growing  loosely  together  or  scattered,  sometimes 
singly  with  other  mosses;  found  in  moist  woods  on  the 
ground,  on  decaying  logs,  and  on  earth-covered  rocks; 
dark  green;  frequent;  fruit  occasional. 

Steyns  erect,  >^-i/^  inches  long;  growing 
from  underground  runners  (stolons);  appar- 
ently leafless  below  the  tip,  as  the  lower  leaves 
are  small  and  scale-like. 

Leaves  broad,  flat;  dark  green;  when  moist, 
forming  a  large  rosette  at  the  end  of  the  stem; 
when  dry,  somewhat  crisped  and  folded  to- 
gether, so  that  the  rosette  becomes  more  like 
a  thick  bud. 

Seta  usually  i-iK  inches  long;  sometimes 
two  or  three  on  one  plant;  reddish. 
Capsule   large,    cylindrical,    horizontal   or 
drooping;  yellowish-  or  reddish-brown,  with  red  band  at 
mouth  when  young;  mature  in  autumn. 
Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Range,  southeastern  Canada  and  northeastern  United 
States. 

Additional  characteristics  seen  with  hand-lens.  Leaves 
toothed  in  upper  part,  midrib  extending  a  little  beyond  tip, 
tip  often  twisted,  leaf-cells  large;  peristome- teeth  long, 
large. 


If  one  has  become  familiar  with  the  illustration  of 
Rhodobryum  it  will  be  easy  to  recognize  this  moss 
without  having  to  use  the  Key.  The  broad,  flat  rosettes 
when  moist  and  wide  open,  often  measuring  fully 
%  inch  across,  quickly  attract  the  eye.  No  other 
moss  forms  such  conspicuous  rosettes  except  possibly 
Mnium,  the  following  genus.    The  rosettes  of  Mnium 


BRYACEAE  133 

are  smaller  and  are  most  noticeable  in  the  male  plants, 
the  male  reproductive  organs  showing  in  the  center. 
The  stems  of  Mnium  below  the  rosettes  bear  leaves 
similar  to  those  of  the  rosette  instead  of  being  appar- 
ently leafless  as  in  Rhodobryutn. 


Family  MNIACEAE 

A  FAMILY  containing  only  four  genera,  one  of  which 
is  common  and  conspicuous. 

30.     MNIUM     (Dill.)     L.     (Mni-um) 

A  genus  containing  many  species,  several  of  which 
are  common  and  easily  distinguished  by  the  broad,  fiat 
leaves.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for  '*  moss." 

Plants  usually  growing  close  together,  sometimes  singly 
and  mixed  with  other  mosses ;  found  in  moist  places  on  the 
ground,  on  rocks,  on  decaying  logs,  and  rarely  on  trees; 
light  to  dark  green;  often  fruiting  abundantly;  some 
species  common. 

Stems  erect,  in  sterile  plants  sometimes  prostrate  or  arched; 
varying  in  length  from  %  inch  in  the  smallest  species  to 
3  inches  or  more  in  the  largest  species;  lower  part  often 
thickly  covered  with  a  felt-like  coating  of  reddish-brown 
radicles  called  tomentum. 

Leaves  of  most  species  large,  flat  and  broad,  rounded  or 
more  or  less  elliptical;  narrower  in  M.  hornum;  of  a  thin, 
gauzy  texture;  often  separated,  sometimes  clustered  in  a  rosette 
at  tip  of  stem;  usually  much  crisped  when  dry;  bright  to  dark 
green;  midrib  and  sometimes  a  thickened  border  can  be 
seen  in  the  largest  leaves  when  moist  plants  are  held  to  the 
light. 

Seta  long,  generally  1-2  inches ;  sometimes  two  or  three 
on  a  single  plant ;  yellow  or  reddish. 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  VI 

Mnium 

Fig.  I.     M.  cuspidahim. 
Fig.  la.  Leaves  of  M.  cuspidahim,  enlarged. 
Fig.  2.     Double  peristome  of  Mnium,  enlarged. 
Fig.  3.     M.  cinclidioides. 
Fig.  3a.  Leaf  of  M.  cinclidioides,  enlarged. 
Fig.  4.    M.  hornnm. 
Fig.  4a.  Leaf  of  M.  hormim,  enlarged. 
Fig.  5.     M.  punctahim  var.  datum. 
Fig.  5a.  Leaf  of  M.  punctatum  var.  elatum,  enlarged. 
Fig.  5b.  Tip  of  leaf  of  M.  punctatum  var.  elatum  showing 
cell-structure,  enlarged. 


I'LAii:  VI.     MNIL.M 


MNIACEAE  135 

Capsule  inclined,  horizontal  or  drooping;  cylindrical;  about 
the  same  width  throughout,  without  the  smaller  neck  por- 
tion as  in  Bryum  (p.  129),  Pohlia  (p.  128),  and  Leptobryum 
(p.  126);  usually  yellowish  when  mature  in  May  or  June, 
sometimes  growing  darker  with  age,  in  some  species  with  a 
red  band  around  the  mouth. 

Operculum  varying  from  convex  to  long-beaked. 

Range,  a  cosmopolitan  genus. 

Additional  characteristics  seen  with  hand-lens:  Leaves 
sometimes  bordered  or  toothed;  teeth  in  some  species 
double;  midrib  occasionally  extending  beyond  leaf;  leaf- 
cells  large,  nearly  round;  teeth  of  peristome  long,  slender. 
(See  Plate  VI.) 

Mnium  cuspidatum  (L.)  Leyss.  (M.  sylvaticum 
Lindb.)  (Plate  VI,  Fig.  i)  is  a  very  common  species 
found  in  moist,  shady  places  on  lawns  as  well  as  in 
woods;  also  on  decaying  logs  and  earth-covered  rocks; 
often  fruiting  freely.  The  leaves  are  medium-sized  for 
the  genus,  much  crisped  when  dry,  and  vary  in  color 
from  light  to  dark  green.  The  sterile  shoots  of  this 
species  as  well  as  of  some  others  are  sometimes  long, 
slender,  and  prostrate  or  inclined,  often  arched  and 
rooting  at  the  tips.  The  fruit  is  borne  singly. 

Additional  characteristics  seen  with  a  hand-lens: 
Leaves  toothed  only  in  the  upper  half;  teeth  single. 

Range,  Newfoundland  to  Florida  and  west  to  the  Pacific; 
Europe ;  Asia. 

Other  species  of  Mnium,  less  frequent  and  occurring 
only  in  moist  woods,  resemble  M.  cuspidatum  in  gen- 


136        HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

eral  appearance,  having  erect,  fertile  stems  and  pros- 
trate or  arched  sterile  shoots  (Plate  VI,  Fig.  i) ;  but  the 
different  species  cannot  be  determined  without  the  use 
of  a  lens  which  will  show  if  the  teeth  are  single  or 
double,  long  or  short,  and  how  far  they  extend  around 
the  leaf.  Certain  species  will  often  bear  clustered  fruit. 
It  is  not  unusual  to  find  plants  with  the  leaves  forming 
conspicuous  rosettes  at  the  end  of  the  stems.  (Plate 
VI,  Fig.  I.)  These  are  usually  the  male  plants  and  the 
male  reproductive  organs  can  be  seen  in  the  center  of 
the  rosette.  See  end  of  this  genus  for  comparison  with 
Rhodobryum,  which  also  has  conspicuous  rosettes. 

Mnium  hornum  L.  (Plate  VI,  Fig.  4)  is  frequently 
found  on  moist  banks  and  rocks,  especially  along  streams 
in  woods.  It  often  grows  extensively  in  wide  patches, 
but  the  fruit  is  not  common.  The  leaves  of  this  species, 
unlike  those  of  other  Mniums,  are  long  and  narrow, 
usually  closely  set  and  erect,  sometimes  more  or  less 
flattened  and  not  much  crisped  when  dry.  They  are 
usually  a  rather  dark  green.  See  Fissidens  (p.  97)  and 
Aulacomnium  heterostichum  (p.  140),  that  have  leaves 
flattened,  and  Catharinaea  (p.  156),  that  has  leaves 
crisped  when  dry. 

Range,  Newfoundland  to  Wyoming,  south  to  Georgia; 
Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 

The  two  following  species  are  the  largest  Mniums. 
They  will  be  found  in  swamps  and  very  wet  woods, 


MNIACEAE  137 

sometimes  even  in  water  in  the  early  spring.  The  stems 
are  often  3  inches  or  more  in  length,  and  the  leaves 
are  larger  than  those  of  most  mosses. 

Mnium  punctatum  var.  datum  Schimp.  (Plate  VI, 
Fig.  5)  is  a  common  moss  found  in  swamps  and  wet 
woods,  and  may  be  known  by  the  very  large,  broadly 
egg-shaped  leaves;  bright  to  dark  green;  with  a  midrib 
and  thickened  border  easily  seen  when  the  plants  are 
held  to  the  light.  (Plate  VI,  Fig.  5a.)  The  stems  are 
stout,  sometimes  branched,  and  usually  thickly  covered 
with  reddish-brown  radicles,  called  tomentum.  The  fruit 
is  not  common. 

The  species  Mnium  punctatum  (L.)  Hedw.  is  smaller 
and  not  so  frequently  collected.  It  occurs  on  rocks  as 
well  as  on  the  ground.  The  leaves  are  the  same  shape 
as  those  of  the  variety,  only  smaller. 

Range,  Arctic  America,  Canada,  and  the  northern  United 
States;  Europe;  Asia. 

Mnium  cinclidioides  (Blytt)  Hiiben.  (Plate  VI, 
Fig.  3)  is  sometimes  found  in  the  same  swamp  with  the 
preceding  species,  but  is  not  so  common  and  the  fruit 
is  very  rare.  The  leaves  are  bright  green,  oblong,  rounded 
at  the  end,  and  the  midrib  can  be  seen;  but  they  are  not 
bordered  as  in  Mnium  punctatum,  and  the  stems  are  not 
covered  with  radicles. 

Range,  northern  North  America,  south  in  the  East  to 
Pennsylvania;  Europe;  Asia. 


138        HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

The  distinguishing  characteristic  of  the  Mniums  is 
the  broad,  flat  leaf  of  a  thin,  gauzy  texture,  which  en- 
ables the  student  quickly  to  learn  to  recognize  the 
genus.  The  rosettes  resemble  Rhodobryum,  the  pre- 
ceding genus,  but  the  leaves  grow  on  the  lower  part 
of  the  stem  as  well  as  at  the  tip.  Sometimes  the 
leaves  appear  to  be  on  opposite  sides  of  the  stem,  as 
in  Fissidens  (p.  97),  but  the  leaves  are  larger,  more 
separated,  and  a  careful  examination  will  show  that 
they  are  arranged  in  more  than  two  rows.  Aulacom- 
nium  heterostichum  (p.  140)  somewhat  resembles  certain 
Mniums;  for  comparison  see  under  that  species.  Care 
must  be  taken  not  to  mistake  the  round  leaves  of 
certain  hepatics  for  those  of  Mnium.  The  conspic- 
uous leaves  of  the  hepatics  are  arranged  in  only  two 
rows,  are  somewhat  thicker,  usually  smaller  than  in 
most  of  the  Mniums,  and  are  not  so  fiat,  as  they  often 
curl  under  at  the  tip.  (See  Introduction,  p.  6.) 


Family  AULACOMNIACEAE 

A  FAMILY  containing  only  two  genera,  one  of  which  is 
common  and  widely  distributed. 

31.     AULACOMNIUM     Schwaegr. 
(Au-la-c6-mni-um) 

A  small  genus,  two  species  of  which  occur  in  our 
range.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for  *'  furrowed  " 
and  ^'  moss,"  referring  to  the  grooved  capsule. 

The  two  common  species  of  Aulacomnium  are  unlike 
in  growth  and  habitat  and  without  microscopic  exam- 
ination resemble  each  other  only  in  the  capsule. 

a.  Leaves  short  and  broad  .  .  .  .  A.  heterostichum. 

b.  Leaves  long  and  narrow  .  .  .  .  A.  palustre. 


Aulacomnium  heterostichum  (Hedw.)  Br}^ol.  Eur. 
is  occasionally  found  on  moist  banks  and  at  the  base  of 
trees  in  the  woods.  The  fruit  is  not  uncommon. 

Plants  growing  close  together,  often  forming  a  somewhat 
flattened  mat;  yellowish-grecji  above,  olive-green  or  brown 
below. 

Stems  prostrate  or  ascending;  branched  by  the  terminal 
annual  growth;  the  lower  part  covered  with  brown  radicles 
(tomentum). 


I40        HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


Leaves  relatively  short  and  broad;  sometimes  flat  as  though 
pressed,  and  sometimes  turned  to  one  side,  especially  in 
the  new  growth;  not  much  changed  when  dry;  yellowish- 
green  or  olive-green. 

Seta  usually  about  i  inch  long;  reddish- 
brown. 

Capsule  inclined;  long-cylindrical;  reddish- 
brown  when  mature;  grooved  when  dry;  mature 
in  May  or  June. 
Operculum  short-beaked. 
Range,  the  eastern  part  of  the  United  States 
to  Wisconsin  and  Texas;  Asia. 


Aidacomnium 
heterostichum 


Leaf  and  cap- 
sule enlarged. 


Aulacomnium  heterostichum  has  leaves 
similar  in  shape  to  those  of  Fissidens 
(p.  97)  and  some  of  the  Mniums,  the 
preceding  genus.  It  is  distinguished  at  once  from 
Fissidens  by  having  more  than  two  rows  of  leaves, 
and  from  Mnium  by  the  leaves  being  closer-set, 
and  not  changing  much  when  dry.  When  the  leaves 
turn  to  one  side  this  moss  does  not  suggest  either  Fissi- 
dens or  Mnium;  the  manner  of  branching  and  the  cap- 
sule are  also  different. 

Two  pleurocarpous  mosses,  Neckera  (p.  185)  and 
Homalia  (p.  186),  grow  on  trees  and  have  broad  leaves 
lying  fiat,  but  the  stems  are  more  branched  and  the 
capsules  are  not  terminal. 

The  somewhat  flattened  appearance  of  this  Aula- 
comnium may  resemble  some  of  the  leafy  hepatics,  but 
the  leaves  are  more  pointed  and  are  a  lighter  green. 
(See  Introduction,  p.  6.) 


AULACOMNIACEAE 


141 


Aulacomnium  palustre  (L.)  Schwacgr.  is  common 
in  moist  and  swampy  places,  but  is  sometimes  found 
where  the  ground  has  become  dry;  fruit 
quite  common. 

Plants  growing  close  together;  usually  light 
yellowish-green. 

Stems  varying  in  length,  usually  1-4  inches 
long;  thickly  covered  with  brown  radicles  (to- 
mentum) ;  frequently  terminating  in  thread-like 
leafless  shoots  (pseudopodia),  bearing  a  cluster 
of  brood  bodies  (gemmae)  at  the  tips. 

Leaves  long  and  narrow;  erect,  or  somewhat 
spreading  when  moist;  slightly  curled  when 
dry;  usually  light  yellowish-green. 

Seta  i-i}4  inches  long;  reddish-brown. 

Capsule  inclined,  long-cylindrical;  reddish-brown  when 
mature;  grooved  when  dry;  mature  in  June. 

Operculum  short-beaked. 

Range,  Arctic  America,  south  to  the  mountains  of  South 
CaroHna,  Utah,  and  California;  South  America;  Europe; 
Asia;  Australia. 


Anlacomtiium 
palustre 

Leaf  enlarged. 


Aulacomnium  palustre  is  most  freciuently  found  in 
Sphagnum  bogs.  The  plants  are  variable  both  in  length 
and  in  robustness,  but  can  usually  be  distinguished  by 
the  light  yclloivish-grccn  leaves,  often  separated  enough 
to  show  the  stems  covered  with  the  reddish-brown 
tomentum.  The  thread-like  shoots  at  the  tips  of  the 
stems  are  also  very  characteristic. 


142         HOW   TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

This  species  will  not  be  confused  with  other  mosses 
growing  in  boggy  places,  except  possibly  with  certain 
Dicranums  that  are  rarely  found.  See  D.  Bergeri  and 
D.  Bonjcani  (p.  92).  The  leaves  of  Aulacomnium  pal- 
ustre  are  not  so  long  as  those  of  Dicranum,  nor  so 
thickly  set,  and  never  turn  to  one  side. 


Family  BARTRAMIACEAE 

A  FAMILY  containing  only  a  few  genera,  two  of  which 
are  common  in  most  localities.  A  third  occurs  only  in 
limestone  regions. 

32.     PLAGIOPUS    Brid.     (Pla-gi-o-pus) 

A  genus  containing  only  three  species.  Name  de- 
rived from  the  Greek  for  "  oblique  "  and  *'  stalk," 
referring  to  the  way  the  seta  joins  the  capsule. 

Plagiopus  Oederi  (Gunn.)  Limpr.  {Bartramia  Oederi 
(Gunn.)  Schwaegr.)  is  found  in  mountainous  and  hilly 
woods  of  limestone  regions  growing  on  rocks 
or  soil;  not  common;  fruit  not  common. 

In  order  to  recognize  Plagiopus  without  the 
use  of  a  compound  microscope,  the  student 
needs  to  be  familiar  with  Bartramia  pomi- 
formis,  the  following  species,  as  the  plants   ^!^Jj^^"^ 
are  best  described  by  comparison. 

The  general  characters  of  stems,  leaves,  and  capsule 
are  similar  to  those  of  Bartramia  pomiformis,  but  the 
stems  are  more  slender,  usually  1-2  inches  long,  the 
leaves  shorter  and  less  crowded,  and  the  capsule  smaller. 

Range,  Canada  and  the  northern  United  States,  south  in 
the  East  to  North  Carolina;  Europe;  Asia. 


144         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


33.     BARTRAMIA    Hedw.     (Bar-tram-i-a) 

A  cosmopolitan  genus  containing  many  species,  only 
one  of  which  is  common.  Named  after  Bartram,  an 
American  botanist. 

Bartramia  pomiformis  (L.)  Hedw.  is  frequently 
found  in  moist  woods,  on  the  ground,  or  on  rocks,  often 
freely  fruiting. 

Plants  growing  close  together,  forming  thick,  Hght-  or 
yellowish-green  mats. 

Stems  usually  1-2  inches  long,  thickly  covered 
with  reddish-brown  radicles  (tomentum)  in  the 
lower  part. 

Leaves  long,  narrow,  hair-like  throughout; 
spreading  when  moist;  more  erect  and  slightly 
crisped  when  dry. 

Seta  yz-i  inch  long;  reddish-brown. 
Bartramia        CapsuU  nearly  globular,  inclined;  yellowish- 
potmjormts    ^^^^j^  when  mature  in  late  spring. 

Operculum  convex,  usually  red,  and,  though  small,  con- 
spicuous, especially  when  the  capsule  is  young. 

Range,  Arctic  America  and  Canada,  southward  to  Ala- 
bama and  Colorado;  South  America;  Europe;  Asia;  Africa; 
New  Zealand. 

The  striking  character  of  Bartramia,  as  well  as  of 
Plagiopus  and  Philonotis,  the  two  related  genera,  is  the 
globular  capsule,  which,  when  green,  with  the  opercu- 
lum red,  looks  like  a  tiny  apple,  with  a  red  cheek.  No 
other  common  moss  has  the  capsule  so  nearly  round. 


BARTRAMIACEAE  145 

Bartramia  may  be  distinguished  from  Philonotis  by 
the  long  hair-like  leaves  becoming  somewhat  crisped 
when  dry;  from  Plagiopus,  which  is  not  common 
and  found  only  in  limestone  regions,  by  the  larger 
size,  more  robust  stems,  longer  leaves,  and  larger 
capsule. 

When  Bartramia  is  not  fruited  it  resembles  Oncoph- 
orus  (p.  86),  in  general  appearance,  but  Bartramia  is 
much  more  common,  grows  more  extensively,  the 
leaves  are  not  so  decidedly  curled  when  dry,  and  the 
brown  radicles  found  on  the  stems  are  not  found  on 
the  stems  of  Oncophorus.  Bartramia  may  be  known 
from  Dicranum,  when  both  are  sterile,  by  the  leaves 
equally  spreading  instead  of  more  or  less  turning  to 
one  side.    See  Plate  V. 

34.    PHILONOTIS    Brid.     (Phi-16-no-tis) 

A  very  large  genus  with  one  species  generally  com- 
mon. Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for  ''  loving  "  and 
"  moisture,"  referring  to  the  favorite  habitat  of  the 
plants. 

Philonotis  fontana  (L.)  Brid.  is  found  on  the  ground 
in  swamps  and  wet  places  and  on  rocks  where  water  is 
dripping;  fruit  occasional. 

Plants  growing  close  together;  light  yellowish- green;  often 
forming  thick  mats. 

Stems  erect  or  ascending,  usually  1-3  inches  long,  slender; 
red;  the  lower  part  covered  with  brown  radicles  (tomen- 


146         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


turn) ;  the  new  growth  forming  a  whorl  of  branches  at  the  tip 
of  the  stem,  giving  the  plants  the  appearance  of  being 
pleurocarpous. 

Leaves  J  in  the  very  young  growth,  too  small  to  show  out- 
line, in  the  more  robust  growth,  short  and  apparently  hair- 
like; erect,  or  shghtly  turned  to  one  side  when  moist ;  closely 
folded  when  dry. 

Seta  usually  1-2  inches  long;  yellowish 
or  reddish. 

Capsule  nearly  globular,  inclined;  yellow- 
ish- or  reddish-brown  when  mature  in 
June. 

Operculum  convex;  red,  and  conspicuous, 
especially  when  the  capsule  is  green. 

Male  flowers  often  conspicuous  in  a  ros- 
ette of  leaves  at  tip  of  stem. 

Range,  Arctic  and  temperate  North 
America,  south  in  the  East  to  Florida;  a 
cosmopolitan. 


Philonotis  fontana 

Old  and  young 
plant.  Leaf  en- 
larged. 


Philonotis  is  especially  fond  of  wet 
places  where  water  is  slowly  running  or 
dripping.  The  slender  stems,  short  leaves, 
and  the  peculiar  manner  of  branching 
are  distinguishing  characteristics  when 
the  globular  capsules  are  not  found.  The  only  other 
common  moss  with  similar  capsule  is  the  preceding 
genus,  Bartramia.  See  under  that  genus  for  com- 
parison. 

Philonotis  resembles  Aulacomnium  in  color,  but  the 
stems  are  more  slender,  the  leaves  are  much  smaller, 
and  the  branching  differs.   See  p.  141. 


BARTRAMIACEAE  147 

When  the  whorled  branches  at  the  tip  of  the  stem 
become  long,  the  plants  have  the  appearance  of  being 
pleurocarpous.  The  only  pleurocarpous  mosses  with 
branches  only  toward  the  tip  of  the  stem  are  Clima- 
cium  (p.  179)  and  Thamnium  (p.  188). 


Family  TIMMIACEAE 

A  FAMILY  containing  a  single  genus  of  only  a  few 
species. 

35.    TIMMIA    Hedw.     (Timm-i-a) 

A  small  genus.  Named  after  Timm,  a  botanist  of 
Mecklenburg,  Germany. 

Timmia  cucullata  Michx.  (given  by  some  American 
authors  as  T.  megapolitana  Hedw.)  occurs  especially  in 

^  limestone  regions  on  moist  banks;  not  com- 

monly collected;  fruit  rare. 

Plants  growing  in  loose  patches;  green  above, 
brown  below. 

Stems  erect,  usually  1-2  inches  long,  slightly 
branched. 

Leaves  long  and   narrow;   erect;   spreading 
when  moist;  slightly  curled  when  dry. 
Seta  about  i  inch  long;  reddish. 
Capsule  inclined  or  horizontal,  short-cylin- 
drical,   tapering    io    the  seta;  yellowish;   ma- 
ture in  May. 

Operculum  convex. 

Range,  Newfoundland  to  Pennsylvania,  west  to  the 
Pacific;  Europe. 

Timmia  is  not  found  in  all  localities  and  is  rarely 
collected.    Sterile  plants  when  moist  resemble  Poly- 


TIMMIACEAE  149 

trichum,  as  the  stems  are  robust  and  the  leaves  some- 
what stiff  in  appearance;  but  when  dry  the  leaves  do 
not  fold,  but  are  somewhat  curled  and  suggest  Catha- 
rinaea,  though  they  are  more  opaque,  and  much  Jess 
crisped.  The  short  capsule,  with  its  tapering  neck  and 
convex  operculum,  would  suggest  the  fruit  of  Mnium 
or  Bryum  rather  than  that  of  Catharinaca  or  Polytri- 
clium.    See  Plates  VI,  VII;  also  pp.  129,  157. 


Family  WEBERACEAE 
A  FAMILY  containing  only  one  genus. 

36.    WEBERA    Ehrh.     (We-ber-a) 

A  small  genus,  only  one  species  of  which  is  found  in 
North  America.  Named  after  Weber,  a  botanist  of 
Gottingen,  Germany. 

Webera  sessilis  (Schmid.)  Lindb.  {Diphyscium  Joli- 
osum  Mohr)  is  found  on  moist,  shaded  earth,  sometimes 
by  roadsides ;  not  uncommon. 

Plants  growing  close  together,  only  those  hearing  fruit 
conspicuous;  brownish ;  freely  fruiting. 

Stems  so  very  short  that  the  capsules  appear 
to  grow  directly  on  the  ground. 

Leaves  on  the  stem  too  small  to  be  seen; 
those  surrounding  the  capsule  long,  hair- 

Weherasessilis^        /iy^.;  brownish. 

^  and  enkrgtd!^^  ^^^^  ^^^  ^^^^^  ^^  ^^  ^^^^  without  dissect- 
ing the  plants. 

Capsule  erect  or  oblique,  egg-shaped,  with  narrow  end 
pointed;  light  brown,  growing  close  to  the  ground  appar- 
ently without  a  seta  (sessile) ;  mature  in  summer. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Range,  Nova  Scotia  to  Ontario,  south  to  Alabama; 
Europe;  Asia;  Madeira  Islands. 

One  has  carefully  to  search  moist,  barren  ground  in 
order  to  find  Webera  sessilis,  as  there  is  nothing  con- 


WEBERACEAE  151 

spicuous  about  the  plants  to  attract  the  eye  except  the 
light-brown  capsules,  and  these  might  easily  be  mis- 
taken for  bits  of  gravel  at  a  distance.  The  sterile  plants 
are  mixed  with  the  fruited  ones,  forming  a  low,  dark 
growth,  sometimes  thickly  dotted  with  the  lighter 
capsules. 

Only  the  following  genus,  Btixbaumia,  has  a  capsule 
of  similar  shape,  but  the  plants  do  not  resemble  each 
other  in  any  other  way. 


Family  BUXBAUMIACEAE 

A  FAMILY  containing  but  one  genus. 

37.    BUXBAUMIA    Hall.     (Bux-baum-i-a) 

A  widely  distributed  genus  of  five  species,  one  of 
which  is  more  frequently  found  than  the  others. 
Named  after  Buxbaum,  a  German  botanist. 

Buxbaumia  aphylla  L.  grows  on  moist,  barren  soil  in 
open  woods.  It  is  rarely  collected  and  does  not  resem- 
ble other  mosses.  Only  fruited  plants  are  noticeable. 

Plants  very  small,  scattered,  growing  from  a  brownish- 
green  coating  (protonema)  on  the  surface  of  the  ground. 
Stems  practically  absent.  The  seta  grows  di- 
rectly from  the  radicles  and  has  the  appearance 
of  being  a  leafless  stem,  so  that  only  fruited 
plants  are  noticeable. 
Buxbaumia       Leaves   not   distinmishable,  almost  obsolete; 

aphylla        ,  .  ,  .  ,  , 

brownish;  servmg  only  to  protect  the  young  re- 
productive organs,  and  disappearing  long  before  the  cap- 
sule is  mature;  found  at  base  of  seta. 

Seta  stout,  about  Yt.  inch  long;  brownish-red. 

Capsule  oblique;  egg-shaped,  with  narrow  end  pointed, 
flattened  on  the  upper  surface;  when  mature  rich  brownish- 
red,  glossy;  mature  in  spring. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Range,  Nova  Scotia  to  Ontario  and  West  Virginia, 
Yukon  Territory  to  Washington;  Europe;  Asia. 


BUXBAUMIACEAE  153 

This  curious  little  plant  was  first  found  by  Buxbaum, 
a  German  botanist,  in  171 2,  on  the  banks  of  the  Volga. 
For  some  time  it  was  regarded  as  a  fungus,  but  after 
careful  examination  it  was  referred  to  the  mosses  on 
account  of  the  structure  of  the  fruit. 

Buxbaumia  is  not  a  common  moss  and  is  collected 
only  when  fruited.  It  is  very  inconspicuous,  especially 
when  the  capsules  are  mature  and  dark  colored.  In  the 
fall  and  early  winter  the  capsules  are  bright  green,  and 
if  the  ground  is  bare  one  can  more  easily  locate  the 
plants,  as  the  capsules  are  more  conspicuous  than  when 
brown,  and  then  wait  for  the  fruit  to  develop  before 
collecting.  One  needs  carefully  to  examine  barren  soil 
in  open  woods  and  look  for  the  brownish-green  coating 
from  which  the  plants  grow.  This  coating  on  the  sur- 
face of  the  ground  is  the  felted  mass  of  protonema  that 
performs  the  work  of  leaves  in  nourishing  the  plants. 
The  first  appearance  of  the  plants  looks  like  minute 
buds  from  which  the  seta  and  capsule  grow.  For  some 
time  the  young  capsule  is  only  slightly  larger  around 
than  the  seta,  but  the  seta  is  already  red,  while  the 
capsule  remains  green  until  nearly  mature.  One  can 
sometimes  find  different  stages  of  development  of  the 
capsule  on  a  few  square  inches  of  soil,  and  it  will  be  of 
great,  interest  to  watch  week  by  week  the  change  that 
takes  place. 

No  other  moss  resembles  Buxbaumia,  although 
Webera,  the  preceding  genus,  has  a  capsule  similar  in 
shape. 


Family  GEORGIACEAE 

A  FAMILY  containing  only  two  genera,  one  of.  which 
is  common. 

38.     GEORGIA    Ehrh.     (Georg-i-a) 

A  small  genus,  one  species  of  which  is  found  in  al- 
most every  locality.  Named  in  honor  of  King  George 
III  of  England. 

Georgia  pellucida  (L.)  Rabenh.  (Tetraphis  pellucida 
Hedw.)   is  found  most  frequently  on  decaying  logs 
and  old  stumps  and  sometimes  on  the 
ground  in  the  woods;  fruit  abundant. 


Plants  crowded  thickly  together;  brown- 
ish-green   above,    reddish-brown    below; 
matted  together  at  the  base.  Mixed  with 
the  fertile  plants  are  usually  stems  with 
Georgia  peUucida      ^  cup-like   cluster  of  leaves  at  the  tip 
Leaf,  peristome,     containing  brood  bodies  feemmae),  which 

and  cup-hke  clus-  ^.  ^^  ^ ' 

ter  of  leaves  en-  are  Sometimes  large  enough  to  be  seen 
^^^sed.  ^j|-jj  a,  hand-lens. 

Stems  erect,  slender,  about  /4  inch  long,  sometimes 
branched. 

Leaves  of  two  kinds,  those  of  the  fertile  plants  erect,  short, 
hair-like,  or  a  little  broader,  rarely  too  small  to  show  outline; 
those  of  the  gemmae-bearing  stems  broader,  more  spreading, 
and  arranged  in  a  cup-like  cluster  at  the  tip  of  the  stem. 

Seta  /^-^  inch  long;  yellowish-  or  reddish-brown. 


GEORGIACEAE  155 

Capsule  erect,  long-cylindrical;  reddish-brown;  mature  in 
spring. 

Operculum  short-beaked. 

Peristome  of  only  four  teeth,  sometimes  large  enough  to  be 
seen  with  the  unaided  eye  when  plants  are  held  to  the  light. 

Range,  Canada  and  the  northern  United  States;  Europe; 
Asia. 

Georgia  pellucida  is  one  of  the  most  common  mosses. 
Its  favorite  habitat  is  decaying  logs  and  old  stumps.  It 
is  distinguished  from  other  mosses  of  similar  location 
by  the  slender  stems  with  very  small  erect  leaves.  If  the 
stems,  with  terminal  leaves  forming  a  cup-like  cluster, 
are  present,  or  if  the  peristome  of  four  teeth  can  be  made 
out,  no  other  characters  are  necessary  for  identifica- 
tion. If  the  plants  are  found  on  the  ground  compare 
Ditrichiim  (p.  78)  and  Barbula  (p.  105). 


Family  POLYTRICHACEAE 

A  FAMILY  containing  several  genera  and  a  great 
many  species,  some  of  which  are  among  our  largest  and 
most  common  mosses. 

39.     CATHARINAEA    Ehrh.     (Cath-a-rin-ae-a) 

A  cosmopolitan  genus  containing  many  species,  two 
of  which  are  very  common  and  usually  grow  exten- 
sively, and  a  third  is  occasionally  found.  Named  in 
honor  of  Empress  Catherine  II  of  Russia. 

Plants  growing  in  dense  or  loose  patches  on  dry  or  moist 
soil;  usually  dull  green;  sometimes  fruiting  freely. 

Stems  erect,  usually  K-2  inches  long;  often  reddish. 

Leaves  long  and  narrow;  erect  or  spreading  when  moist ; 
strongly  crisped  when  dry;  transversely  wavy  (undulate),  in 
C.  undulaia;  midrib  conspicuous  when  plants  are  held  to  the 
light;  usually  dull  green. 

Seta  %-2  inches  long,  sometimes  two  or  more  together; 
yellowish-  or  reddish-brown. 

Capsule  long-cylindrical,  slender,  erect  or  slightly  inclined^ 
sometimes  curved;  dark  reddish-brown;  mature  in  autumn. 
A  white  disk-like  membrane  across  the  mouth,  united  at  the 
edge  to  the  teeth  of  the  peristome,  as  in  Pogonatmn  and 
Folytrichum,  the  two  related  genera.   (Plate  VII,  Fig.  4.) 

Operculum  long-beaked. 

a.  Surface  of  leaf  distinctly  wavy  (undulate);  midrib 
narrow,  about  H  width  of  leaf  .  .  .  .  C.  undulata. 


POLYTRICHACEAE  157 

b.  Surface  of  leaf  not  distinctly  wavy,  but  flat  or  nearly 


so. 


1.  Midrib  broad,  li-Vi  width  of  leaf  .... 

C.  angustata. 

2.  Midrib  narrow,  ys  width  of  leaf  .  .  .  .  C  crispa. 


Catharinaea  undulata  (L.)  Web.  &  Mohr  is  common 
on  moist  ground  in  open  woods.  It  is 
the  most  robust  species,  but  varies  in 
size.  The  stems  are  usually  1-2  inches 
long,  sometimes  longer  when  the  new 
growth  starts  from  the  tip  of  the  old, 
and  the  leaves  often  reach  }i  inch  in 
length.  They  are  dull  or  dark  green. 
The  surface  of  the  leaf  on  either  side 
of  the  midrib,  even  when  moist,  is 
distinctly  transversely  wavy,  or  un- 
dulate, instead  of  flat.  See  Dicranum 
undulatiim  (p.  93).  The  seta  is  long, 
often  tw^o  or  more  growing  from  the 
same  plant.  The  capsule  is  long, 
slender,  and  usually  curved.  The 
distinguishing  characteristics  are  the 
strongly  undulate  leaves  with  a  nar- 
row midrib.  For  comparison  with  C.  angustata  and  C. 
crispa  see  under  those  species. 

Range,  throughout  temperate  North  America;  Europe; 
Asia;  Africa. 


Catharinaea  undulata 
Leaf  enlarged. 


158        HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

h.  I 

Catharinaea  angustata  Brid.  is  one  of  our  common- 
est mosses.  It  often  grows  quite  extensively  on  lawns 
or  banks,  in  a  low,  close  mat,  sometimes  with  a  reddish 
tinge.  It  is  smaller  than  C.  undulata  and 
usually  grows  on  drier,  more  sandy  soil, 
although  the  two  may  be  found  not  far 
apart.  The  stems  are  about  %-i  inch  long. 
The  leaves  are  generally  }i-%  inch  long, 
sometimes  forming  a  rosette  at  tip  of  stem, 
not  at  all  or  only  slightly  wavy;  usually  dull 
green,  sometimes  with  a  reddish  tinge. 

Catharinaea        07 

angustata  The  midrib  is  wide,  occupying  ^-yi  width 
Leaf  enlarged,  ^^f  i^^i.  The  capsulc  is  usually  shortcr  and 
narrower  than  in  C.  undulata,  more  nearly  erect,  and 
less  curved. 

In  their  distinct  typical  forms  C.  angustata  and  C. 
undulata  are  easily  distinguished,  but  puzzling  varie- 
ties sometimes  occur;  for  instance,  one  may  find  a  tall 
growth  of  C.  angustata  with  leaves  slightly  wavy  and 
midrib  narrow  for  the  species,  or  a  short  growth  of  C. 
undulata  with  leaves  not  so  wavy  as  usual  and  midrib 
broad  for  the  species.  In  such  cases  it  is  safest  for  the 
beginner  not  to  try  to  determine  species. 

Range,  throughout  temperate  North  America;  Europe; 
Asia. 


POLYTRICHACEAE  1 59 

b.2 

Catharinaeacrispa  James  occurs  much  less  frequently 
than  the  preceding  species.  Its  favorite  locality,  like 
C.  undulata,  is  moist  soil,  especially  banks  of  streams. 
The  leaves  are  usually  light  or  yellowish-green,  some- 
what separated,  hardly  at  all  wavy,  and  the  midrib  is 
narrow,  about  Ys  the  width  of  the  leaf. 

Range,  Canada  and  the  northern  United  States;  Europe. 

Catharinaea  oris  pa  most  closely  resembles  C.  undulata 
on  account  of  the  narrow  midrib,  but  the  leaves  are  more 
separated,  shorter  and  broader,  and  not  at  all  or  only 
very  slightly  wavy,  and  they  are  usually  a  lighter  green. 

The  Catharinaeas  may  be  distinguished  from  other 
mosses  that  have  long  narrow  leaves  by  the  conspicuous 
midrib  and  the  leaves  becoming  strongly  crisped  wJien 
dry.  Tortella  (p.  102)  and  Mnium  hornum  (p.  136)  have 
the  leaves  crisped  when  dry,  but  the  midrib  is  not  so 
conspicuous,  and  the  stems  are  thickly  covered  with 
reddish-brown  radicles  which  are  not  found  on  the 
stems  of  Catharinaea.  For  comparison  with  Dicranum 
and  Polytrichum  (two  common  genera  having  long 
narrow  leaves)  see  p.  171. 

If  the  leaves  of  Catharinaea  are  examined  with  a  lens, 
dark  lines  will  be  seen  along  the  midrib.  These  are  thin 
strips  of  tissue  called  lamellae,  characteristic  of  the 
leaves  of  the  Polytrichaceae,  but  not  seen  in  other  genera 
without  a  compound  microscope.  See  Plate  VII,  Fig.  3. 


i6o        HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


40.     POGONATUM     Palis.     (Po-gon-a-tum) 

A  genus  containing  many  species  widely  distributed, 
only  a  few  of  which  occur  in  the  eastern  United  States. 
Four  are  described  here.  Name  derived  from  the 
Greek  for  '^  beard,"  referring  to  the  hairy  calyptra. 

Plants  growing  on  the  ground,  more  or  less  scattered; 
olive  or  dark  green;  in  two  species  growing  from  a  green  sub- 
stance, called  protonema,  covering  the  soil. 

Stems  erect,  mostly  not  branched,  rarely  forked;  }i-2 
inches  long. 

Leaves  long  and  narrow,  stiff,  opaque;  somewhat  spread- 
ing when  moist;  erect  and  slightly  incurved,  or  closely  folded 
when  dry;  only  very  few  in  number  and  not  always  easily 
seen  when  the  plants  grow  from  the  persistent  protonema; 
olive  or  dark  green. 

Seta  about  i  inch  long;  reddish. 

Capsule  erect,  cylindrical,  symmetrical;  yellowish-  or  red- 
dish-brown; mature  in  autumn.  A  white  disk-like  mem- 
brane across  the  mouth,  as  in  Catharinaea  and  Polytrichum. 
(Plate  VII,  Fig.  4.) 

Operculum  more  or  less  long-beaked. 

Calyptra  covered  with  corn-colored  hairs. 

a.  Plants  growing  from  persistent  protonema,  leaves  few 

....  P.  brevicaule. 
....  P.  brachyphyllum. 
h.  Plants  not  growing  from  persistent  protonema,  leaves 
numerous  .... 

P.  capillare. 
P.  urnigerum. 


POLYTRICHACEAE  i6i 

a. 

Pogonatum  brevicaule  Brid.  (P.  tenue  (Menz.) 
E.  G.  B.)  is  common  on  moist  clay  banks  and  road- 
sides in  open  woods.  The  leaves  are  olive  or 
dark  green.  The  plants  are  scattered  and 
grow  from  a  green  substance,  called  proto- 
nema,  which  forms  a  thin  coating  on  the  sur- 
face of  the  soil.  All  mosses  first  start  from 
protonema,  but  it  usually  disappears  when 
the  leaves  are  developed.  In  P.  brevicaule  Sind 
P.  brachyphyllum  the  protonema  is  persist-  ^brevkl^ 
ent  and  assists  in  nourishing  the  plants,  as  Caiyptra 
the  leaves  are  greatly  reduced  in  number.  The  ^"^^""s^^- 
stems  are  very  short,  and  the  leaves  are  so  few  and  often  so 
closely  folded  that  they  are  likely  to  be  overlooked  unless  the 
plants  are  thoroughly  moistened  and  closely  examined. 

Range,  Nova  Scotia  to  Alabama  and  west  to  Missouri. 

Pogonatum  brachyphyllum  (Michx.)  Palis,  occurs  in 
New  Jersey  and  southward.  It  grows  from  persistent 
protonema,  and  has  olive,  or  dark -green  leaves  like  P, 
brevicaule,  and  cannot  be  distinguished  from  it  without 
microscopic  examination. 

b. 

Pogonatum  urnigerum  (L.)  Palis,  and  Pogonatum 
capillare  (Rich.)  Brid.  are  found  in  mountainous  re- 
gions and  occur  in  the  northern  part  of  both  hemi- 


i62         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

spheres.  The  protonema  is  not  persistent,  and  the 
stems  are  longer  and  the  leaves  more  numerous  than  in 
the  preceding  species.  P.  urnigerum  is  from 
1-3  inches  high,  sometimes  branched,  and 
usually  the  leaves  thickly  cover  most  of  the 
stem,  while  P.  capillar e  is  much  smaller, 
I  inch  high  or  less,  unbranched,  with  the 
leaves  often  clustered  at  the  tip  of  the  stem. 
The  color  of  the  leaves  in  both  species  is 
capiiiare      o^i^e  or  dark  green. 

Leaf  en-  The  Cylindrical  capsule  separates  Pogon- 

^^^^  '  atum  from  Polytrichum,  the  following  genus, 
except  Polytrichum  alpinum  var.  arcticum;  for  com- 
parison see  under  that  species  (p.  167).  The  leaves 
and  calyptra  resemble  those  of  Polytrichum  in  general 
character,  but  a  little  experience  will  enable  one  to 
note  that  the  leaves  of  Polytrichum  are  less  rigid  and 
the  calyptra  is  longer  in  most  cases.  The  common 
Pogonatum  hrevicaule  is  readily  distinguished  by  the 
presence  of  protonema,  which  is  not  found  in  Poly- 
trichum, and  by  the  smaller  size.  Pogonatum  is  dis- 
tinguished from  Catharinaea  (p.  156)  by  the  opaque 
leaves  J  folding  when  dry  and  not  crisped, 

41.    POLYTRICHUM     Dill.     (Po-ly-tri-chum) 

A  genus  containing  over  one  hundred  species,  some 
of  which  are  our  commonest  mosses,  found  chiefly  on  soil 
in  the  cooler  regions.    Commonly  called  "  hair-cap 


EXPLANATION  OF  PLATE  VII 

POLYTRICHUM 

Fig.  I.    P.  commune  var.  perigoniale. 

Fig.  la.  Male  plant  of  P.  commune  var.  perigoniale  showing  the  new 
growth  of  the  stem  continued  through  the  old  male  disk. 

Fig.  lb.  Calyptra  covering  capsule  of  P.  commune  var.  perigoniale 
enlarged. 

Fig.  2.     P.  piliferum. 

Fig.  2a.  Leaf  of  P.  piliferum,  enlarged. 

Fig.  2b.  Cross-section  of  leaf  of  P.  piliferum  showing  lamellae  and  leaf- 
margins  folded  in,  enlarged. 

Fig.  3.  Cross-section  of  leaf  of  P.  commune  showing  lamellae  and  leaf- 
margins  not  folded  in,  enlarged. 

Fig.  4.  Peristome  of  Polytrichum,  showing  the  membrane  at  the 
mouth  of  the  capsule  joined  at  the  edge  to  the  tip  of  the  teeth, 
enlarged. 

Fig.  5.     Capsule  of  P.  commune,  enlarged. 

Fig.  6.     Capsule  of  P.  jiiniperinum,  enlarged. 

Fig.  7.     Capsule  of  P.  ohioense,  enlarged. 

Fig.  8.     Capsule  of  P.  gracile,  enlarged. 

Fig.  9.    Capsule  of  P.  alpinum  var.  arcticum,  enlarged. 


2  a 


Tlatc  VII.     rOLYTRICIIUM 


POLYTRICHACEAE  163 

Mosses,"  on  account  of  the  hairy  calyptra.  In  some 
localities  known  as  *'  bird  wheat."  Name  derived 
from  the  Greek  for  '*  many  "  and  "  hair,"  referring  to 
the  hairy  calyptra. 

Plants  growing  in  dense  or  loose  patches  on  moist  or  dry 
soil,  earth-covered  rocks,  old  stumps,  and  upturned  roots; 
bright  to  dark  green,  or  bluish-green;  often  fruiting  abun- 
dantly. 

Stetns  erect,  ^-10  inches  long,  stifT,  rarely  branched, 
sometimes  coated  toward  the  base  with  whitish  or  brown 
radicles  (tomcntum). 

Leaves  long  and  narrow,  in  one  species  ending  in  a  long, 
whitish,  hair-like  tip;  wide-spreading  when  moist;  closely 
folded  when  dry;  bright  to  dark  green,  or  bluish-green; 
opaque.  The  male  flowers  at  the  tip  of  the  stem  surrounded 
by  modified  leaves  called  "bracts,"  in  the  form  of  a  rosette. 
These  bracts  are  red  or  deep  orange.   (Plate  VII,  Fig.  la.) 

Seta  1-4  inches  long;  orange  or  reddish;  shining. 

Capside  erect  at  first,  finally  inclined,  horizontal  or  droop- 
ing; usually  4-6  angled;  cylindrical  in  one  species;  yellowish 
or  reddish-brown;  mature  in  summer.  A  whitish  membrane 
across  the  mouth  of  the  capsule  joined  at  the  edge  to  the 
tip  of  the  teeth  as  in  the  related  genera,  Catharinaea  and 
Pogonatum.   (Plate  VII,  Fig.  4.) 

Calyptra  covered  with  corn-colored  or  light  golden-brown 
hairs,  wholly  or  partly  covering  the  capsule.  (Plate  VII, 
Fig.  lb.) 

Operculnm  short  or  long-beaked;  sometimes  red  or 
orange,  or  with  a  red  or  orange  rim. 

a.  Leaves  glaucous  or  bluish-green;  leaf-margins  folded 
in  (more  easily  seen  toward  base  of  leaf).  (Plate 
VII,  Fig.  2a.) 


1 64         HOW   TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

1.  Leaves  ending  in  a  long,  whitish,  hair-like  tip  ...  . 

P.  piliferum. 

2.  Leaves  not  ending  in  a  long,  whitish,  hair-like  tip 

....  P.  juniperinum, 
P.  strictum. 
b.  Leaves  yellowish-green  to  olive  or  dark  green;  leaf- 
margins  not  folded  in.   (Plate  VII,  Fig.  3.) 

1.  Capsule  cylindrical  .... 

P.  alpinum  var.  arcticum. 

2.  Capsule  angled  ....  P.  commune. 

P.  oJnoense. 
P.  gracile. 


a.  I 

Polytrichum  piliferum  Schreb.  (Plate  VII,  Fig.  2) 
is  the  smallest  Polytrichum,  with  stems  usually  not 
more  than  i  inch  long,  and  leaves  and  capsule  much 
smaller  than  in  the  other  species.  It  is  very  common  on 
gravelly  soil  and  around  the  edges  or  in  the  hollows 
and  crevices  of  rocks  and  ledges.  The  leaves  are  a 
rather  dark  green,  crowded  at  the  end  of  the  stem,  and 
end  in  a  long,  whitish,  hair-like  tip,  which  gives  the 
plants  a  hoary  appearance.  (Plate  VII,  Fig.  2a.)  The 
margins  of  the  leaves  fold  in,  but  this  character  is  not 
easily  seen  in  this  small  species.  (Plate  VII,  Fig.  2b.) 
The  capsule  is  angled,  erect  at  first,  and  finally  becom- 
ing horizontal  or  drooping.  The  operculum  is  red  or 
orange,  with  a  short  beak.  The  plants  fruit  abun- 
dantly and  are  conspicuous  in  the  spring  with  the  red 
fruit-stalks  and  pale-yellow  hoods  that  cover  the  fruit. 


POLYTRICHACEAE  165 

Male  plants  are  often  numerous,  and  when  the  leaves 
are  moist  and  well  expanded  the  bright-red  bracts  of 
the  rosettes  look  like  tiny  flowers. 

Range,  northern  North  America,  south  to  Alabama  and 
California;  Greenland;  Europe;  Asia;  South  America. 

a.  2 

Polytrichum  juniperinum  Willd.  (Plate  VII,  Fig.  6) 
is  a  common  species,  found  in  thin  woods  and  in  open 
places.  The  stems  are  1-4  inches  high,  rarely  branched. 
The  margins  of  the  leaves  are  folded  in.  This  folding  in 
can  generally  be  seen,  in  this  species,  at  least,  toward 
the  base  of  the  largest  leaves.  The  leaves  are  a  hluer- 
green  than  in  the  other  large  common  species;  the  cap- 
sule is  oblong,  sharply  four-angled;  the  operculum  is  red 
and  has  a  short  beak;  the  calyptra  covers  the  capsule, 
and  the  seta  is  red  and  shining. 

Range,  Arctic  and  temperate  North  America;  a  cosmo- 
politan. 

Polytrichum  juniperinum  can  usually  be  distin- 
guished by  the  bluish-green  of  the  leaves,  which,  to- 
gether with  the  size  of  the  plants,  will  serve  as  a  good 
field  characteristic  when  the  folded  leaf-margins  cannot 
be  readily  seen.  The  plants  are  larger  in  every  way 
than  P.  pilifcrum,  the  preceding  species,  also  having 
bluish-  or  gray-green  leaves  with  folded  margins.  Com- 
pared with  other  common  species,  besides  the  cok>r  of 
the  leaves,  the  oblong  capsule  separates  P.  jiinipcri- 


i66         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

num  from  P.  commune  with  a  capsule  almost  cubic, 
and  from  P.  ohioense  with  a  capsule  tapering  at  the 
base.  See  also  the  following  species.  A  peculiar  annual 
growth  sometimes  occurring  in  the  male  plants  is 
described  under  P.  commune.    See  Plate  VII,  Fig  la. 

Polytrichum  strictum  Banks,  is  found  in  peat-bogs 
and  moist  woods,  especially  in  the  higher  altitudes. 
The  typical  form  is  not  common,  although  gradations 
between  the  type  and  P.  juniperinum  are  more  fre- 
quently collected.  Typically  the  stems  are  over  j  inches 
long,  slender,  and  covered  for  a  great  part  of  their  length 
with  a  thick  mass  of  whitish  radicles.  The  leaves  are 
dull  green  or  olive,  shorter  than  in  most  of  the  other 
Polytrichums,  more  erect  when  moist  and  more  closely 
folded  when  dry,  so  that  the  leaves  have  to  be  bent  back 
to  see  the  folded  margins.  The  capsule  is  sharply  four- 
angled,  very  little  longer  than  broad. 

Range,  Arctic  America,  Canada,  and  the  northern 
United  States;  Europe;  Asia;  South  America. 

The  very  slender  stems  of  Polytrichum  strictum 
matted  together  with  whitish  radicles,  and  the  closely 
folded  leaves,  are  usually  very  noticeable,  but  the 
gradating  forms  are  sometimes  difficult  to  distinguish 
from  P.  juniperinum.  P.  juniperinum  may  be  ex- 
pected in  drier  localities  and  is  a  more  common 
species,  with  less  slender  stems  and  leaves  more  spread- 
ing when  moist. 


POLYTRICHACEAE  167 


h.  I 


Polytrichum  alpinum  var.  arcticum  (Sw.)  Wahl. 
{Pogonalum  alpinum  var.  arcticum  (Sw.)  Brid.)  (Plate 
VII,  Fig.  9)  is  found  in  mountainous  or  hilly  regions 
and  along  the  coast.  The  stems  are  up  to  3  inches  long, 
often  slightly  branched;  the  leaves  are  a  rather  dark 
green;  the  margins  are  not  folded  in;  the  capsule  is 
cylindrical,  slightly  inclined  and  curved  when  mature; 
the  operculum  is  long-beaked;  and  the  calyptra  only 
partly  covers  the  capsule. 

Range,  northern  part  of  North  America  and  northern 
Europe. 

This  species  is  not  to  be  expected  except  in  the 
higher  altitudes.  It  is  distinguished  from  other  Poly- 
trichums  when  in  fruit  by  the  cylindrical  capsule,  and 
from  the  Pogonatums  by  the  larger  size,  and  larger, 
curved  capsule.    See  p.  160. 

h.  2 

Polytrichum  ohioense  Ren.  &  Card.  (Plate  VII, 
Fig.  7)  is  a  common  species.  The  stems  are  up  to  3 
inches  long;  the  leaves  are  olive  or  dark  green;  the 

leaf-margins  are  not  folded  in;  the  capsule  is  angled, 
gradually  tapering  to  the  seta;  the  seta  is  usually  reddish 
below  and  yellow  above;  the  operculum  has  a  beak  of 
medium  length,  longer  than  in  P.  commune,  but  not 


i68        HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

so  long  as  in  P.  gracile;  and  the  calyptra  only  partly 
covers  the  capsule. 

Range,  Newfoundland  to  Alaska,  south  to  Alabama, 
Missouri,  and  Oregon;  Europe. 

Polytrichum  ohioense,  when  not  in  fruit,  cannot  be 
distinguished  from  P.  commune  and  P.  gracile,  as  the 
leaves  are  similar,  but  it  may  be  expected  in  moist, 
shady  places,  usually  in  woods,  while  P.  commune^ 
although  occurring  in  woods,  is  the  common  species  in 
more  open  places  and  grows  more  extensively,  and  P. 
gracile  is  a  rare  species  of  elevated  regions.  See  also 
P .  juniperinum,  p .  165. 

Polytrichum  commune  L.  typically  has  stems  6-10 
inches  loftg,  with  leaves  very  long,  often  %  inch,  rather 
separated,  wide-spreading  when  moist,  folded  when  dry, 
hut  having  the  tips  recurved  and  the  shining  leaf-bases 
conspicuous.  The  plants  grow  in  moist,  shaded  places 
and  are  a  rather  bright  green.  The  plants  commonly 
found  in  drier,  more  exposed  places  are  probably  P. 
comjnune  var.  perigoniale  (Michx.)  Bryol.  Eur.  (Plate 
VII,  Fig.  i).  The  stems  of  this  variety  are  shorter, 
usually  2-4  inches  long,  the  leaves  are  a  little  smaller 
and  more  crowded,  so  that  when  dry  and  folded  tite  leaf- 
bases  do  not  generally  show,  and  the  leaves  are  often  a 
darker  green  or  olive,  with  only  the  young  growth  at 
the  tip  of  the  stems  bright  yellowish-green.  The  cap- 
sule in  both  mosses  is  sharply  four-angled,   almost 


POLYTRICH  ACEAE  1 69 

cubical,  only  a  little  loncjer  than  broad;  the  operculum 
is  short-beaked;  and  the  calyplra  is  long,  wholly  cover- 
ing the  capsule  and  extending  a  little  below. 

Range,  throughout  North  America,  a  cosmopolitan  species. 

The  large  sterile  patches  of  Polytrichum,  with  stems 
longer  than  in  P.  pilijcrum,  conspicuous  on  banks  and 
in  open  places,  especially  in  the  spring  when  the  new 
growth  first  starts,  are  most  likely  to  be  the  var.  pcri- 
goniale.  This  variety  is  not  mentioned  by  most  moss 
students,  as  both  the  short  and  tall  plants  are  spoken 
of  as  P.  commune.  Fruited  specimens  are  frequently 
found  and  are  sometimes  abundant,  but  they  rarely 
grow  so  extensively  as  the  sterile  plants.  It  is  not  un- 
usual to  fmd  male  plants  with  one  year's  growth  start- 
ing from  the  middle  of  the  rosette,  and  again  develop- 
ing the  male  heads  at  the  tip,  then  the  next  year's 
growth  starting  in  the  same  way.  (Plate  VII,  Fig.  la.) 
This  growth  occurs  in  other  species  also.  P.  commune 
and  this  variety  are  distinguished  from  other  common 
Polytrichums  by  the  almost  cubical  capsule,  with  the 
short-beaked  operculum,  and  long  calyptra  and  by  the 
leaves  without  the  margins  folded  in,  yellowish- green  or 
darker,  but  not  the  bluish-green  of  P.  juniperinum, 
which  in  some  localities  is  a  very  common  species  grow- 
ing extensively.  Other  species  have  a  longer  capsule 
and  some  have  a  longer  beak  to  the  operculum.  P. 
piliferum  often  grows  in  large  patches,  but  the  plants 
are  much  smaller  in  every  way. 


I70        HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

P,  commune  is  used  in  Lapland  for  beds  and  pillows 
and  occasionally  in  certain  parts  of  England  for  stuffing 
mattresses  and  for  brooms. 

Polytrichum  gracile  Dicks.  (Plate  VII,  Fig.  8)  is  a 
rare  species  found  especially  in  higher  altitudes.  The 
capsule  is  obscurely  5-6  angled,  the  operculum  has  a 
long  beak,  and  the  calyptra  does  not  wholly  cover  the 
capsule.  This  species  most  closely  resembles  P.  ohio- 
ense,  but  it  is  not  so  common,  the  growth  is  somewhat 
more  slender,  and  the  capsule  does  not  gradually 
taper  to  the  seta  as  in  P.  ohioense.  The  leaves  are  dark 
green  or  olive-green. 

Range,  northern  part  of  North  America,  eastern  United 
States;  Europe. 

The  Polytrichums  are  among  our  commonest  mosses 
and  are  easily  recognized  as  a  genus,  although  the 
species  cannot  always  be  determined  unless  fruited. 
The  opaque  character  of  the  leaves  is  due  to  thin,  longi- 
tudinal strips  of  tissue  called  lamellae,  standing  on  edge 
and  running  parallel  to  one  another  along  the  leaf, 
forming  what  appears  to  be  a  wide  midrib.  This  inter- 
esting characteristic  is  best  seen  in  cross-section  of  the 
leaves  under  a  compound  microscope  (Plate  VII,  Fig. 
3).  The  lamellae  also  occur  on  the  leaves  of  Pogona- 
tum  and  Catharinaea,  though  much  reduced  in  number 
in  Catharinaea.  They  are  easily  seen  with  the  aid  of  a 
hand-lens  on  the  leaves  of  C.  anguslata,  p.  158. 


POLYTRICHACEAE  171 

The  following  Key  may  help  to  separate  Polytri- 
chum,  Catharinaea,  and  Dicranum,  the  three  common- 
est genera  of  the  acrocarpous  mosses  having  long  nar- 
row leaves. 

Leaves  more  or  less  turned  to  one  side  (sccund),  both 

when  moist  and  when  dry  ....  Dicrafium  (p.  87). 
Leaves  equally  spreading  when  moist;  folded  or  crisped 
when  dry. 

Leaves  folded  straight  against  the  stem  when  dry; 
stems  not  conspicuously  covered  with  radicles  ex- 
cept in  P.  strictum  ....  FolytricJiufn  (p.  162). 

Leaves  strongly  crisped  when  dry;  stems  not  covered 
with  radicles  ....  Catharinaea  (p.  156). 

Leaves  more  or  less  crisped  or  not  much  changed  when 
dry;  stems  covered  with  radicles,  especially  in  the 
lower  part  ....  Dicranum  (p.  87). 


PLEUROCARPI 

The  pleurocarpous  mosses  are  prostrate  or  ascend- 
ing, rarely  erect,  and  usually  much  branched  (with 
more  than  two  or  three  branches) .  The  fruit  is  borne  on 
the  side  of  the  stem  or  on  a  very  short  lateral  branch. 

Family  HEDWIGIACEAE 

A  small  family  widely  distributed;  only  one  genus 
common  in  our  range. 

42.    HEDWIGIA    Ehrh.     (Hed-wig-i-a) 

A  cosmopolitan  genus  containing  only  a  few  species, 
only  one  of  which  occurs  in  our  range.  Named  after 
Hedwig,  Professor  of  Botany  at  Leipzig  in  the  eight- 
eenth century,  called  the  "  Father  of  Bryology." 

Hedwigia  albicans  (Web.)  Lindb.  (H.  ciliata  Ehrh.) 
is  found  on  rocks,  boulders,  and  stone  walls,  but  never 
on  limestone;  common  in  most  localities;  fruit  occa- 
sional. 

Plants  growing  in  patches  of  varying  size;  glaucous  or 
grayish-green,  brownish  or  blackish  below;  especially 
hoary  when  dry,  due  to  the  colorless  tips  of  the  leaves. 

Stems  prostrate,  sometimes  ascending  and  curved  at  tips, 
varying  in  length;  slightly  forked  with  shorter  lateral 
branches;  when  dry,  stiff  and  easily  broken. 


HEDWIGIACEAE 


73 


lurnea  lo 

lorlesstips.      \|    |  f 
tit  IS  cofn-         W    t^ 


Hedivigia  albicans 

Plant  when  moist;  and  when  dry; 
leaf  and  capsule  enlarged. 


Leaves  straight,  easily  seen;  when  moist,  wide-spreading, 
and  bright  green  in  new  growth;  when  dry,  erect  and 
folded,  sometimes  turned  to 
one  side,  and  grayer-; 
hoary,  due  to  the  colorless 

Seta  so  short  that  it  is  com-        w^     %  i[ 
pletely  concealed.  M    "^ 

Capsule  on  the  side  of  the         ^ 
stem,  almost  completely  con- 
cealed by  surrounding  leaves; 
mature  in  spring. 

Operculum  convex. 

Range,  throughout  North 
America;  almost  a  cosmopoli- 
tan species. 

Additional  characteristics  seen  with  hand-lens:  Leaves 
ending  in  a  white  tip ;  capsule  yellowish,  with  a  wide,  red- 
rimmed  mouth;  peristome  lacking. 

Hedivigia  will  be  found  growing  in  rather  flat 
patches  var^ung  in  size.  The  plants  when  moist  present 
an  entirely  different  appearance  from  that  when  dry. 
When  moist,  the  branches  are  straight  and  stout;  the 
leaves  are  wide-spreading  and  quite  a  bright  green  in 
the  new  growth,  much  darker  below;  and  if  the  plants 
are  fruited,  the  light-brown  capsules  with  a  red  rim  at 
the  mouth  can  be  seen  above  the  leaves.  When  dr}% 
the  branches  often  curl  upwards  at  the  tips,  and  are 
much  more  slender,  as  the  leaves  are  closely  folded ;  the 
plants  are  darker  in  color,  often  hoary  from  the  color- 
less tips  of  the  leaves;  the  new  grow^th  is  not  so  con- 
spicuous; and  the  capsule  is  concealed  by  the  leaves 


174        HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

folding  around  it,  so  that  it  looks  like  a  swollen  end  of 
a  branch. 

Hedwigia  most  closely  resembles  Grimmia,  an  acro- 
carpous moss.  For  comparison  see  under  that  genus 
(P-  113)- 


Family  FONTINALACEAE 

A  SMALL  family  containing  only  a  few  genera;  two 
occurring  in  our  range. 


43.     FONTINALIS     (Dill.)     L.     (Font-i-na-lis) 

A  genus  of  many  species  found  chiefly  in  running 
water.  A  Latin  name,  meaning  ''  belonging  to  water." 

Plants  attached  to  stones  or  wood  in  cool  streams;  quite 
common,  but  rarely  fruiting. 


Fontinalis  antipyrctica 
var.  gigantea 

Capsule  enlarged. 


Fontinalis  novac-angliae 


176        HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Stems  very  long,  usually  over  3  inches,  attached  only  at 
the  base;  irregularly  branched,  branches  long,  floating; 
lower  part  of  stem  leafless. 

Leaves  straight,  long,  erect- spreading,  narrow  and  slender 
or  large,  broad,  and  concave;  of  various  shades  of  green,  com- 
monly rather  dark  or  olive-green. 

Seta  so  short  that  it  is  usually  concealed  by  leaves. 

Capsule  partially  concealed  by  leaves,  long-cylindrical, 
erect;  mature  in  summer. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Range,  temperate  and  cooler  parts  of  the  Northern 
Hemisphere. 

Fontinalis  antipyretica  var.  gigantea  Sull.  is  quite 
a  common  species  in  cool  brooks.  The  distinguishing 
characteristics  are  the  large  deeply  concave  leaves  ar- 
ranged in  three  rows,  which  give  a  three-sided  appear- 
ance to  the  long  stems.  The  leaves  are  usually  dark 
or  olive-green,  sometimes  golden-green  or  copper- 
colored. 

Other  species  of  Fontinalis  resemble  the  accompany- 
ing illustration.  The  stems  are  much  more  slender  than 
in  the  species  described  above  and  the  leaves  are  smaller 
and  narrower,  but  there  are  no  striking  specific  charac- 
teristics for  easy  determination. 

As  a  genus,  Fontinalis  is  easily  distinguished  by  the 
long  floating  stems,  with  straight  leaves  erect  or  slightly 
spreading.  Other  mosses  with  long  stems  commonly 
found  in  water  have  finer  leaves,  wide-spreading  or 
more  or  less  curved.  See  following  genus;  also  Drepa- 
nocladus  (p.  213)  and  Amblystegium  (p.  208). 


FONTINALACEAE 


177 


The  fresh-water  Algae,  often  found  in  the  same 
streams  with  Fontinalis,  are  long  and  thread-like, 
somewhat  slimy,  and  do  not  have  leaves. 


44.     DICHELYMA    Myr.     (Di-che-ly-ma) 

A  small  genus  of  wide  distribution.  Name  derived 
from  two  Greek  words, ''  to  halve  "  and  *'  a  covering," 
referring  to  the  one-sided  calyptra. 

Dichelyma  capillaceum  (Dill.)  Schimp.  is  the  com- 
mon species,  found  on  bushes,  sticks,  etc.,  in  or  around 
the  edges  of  ponds,  and  on  the  ground 
in  swamps;  fruit  common.  ll       (      I 

Plants  matted  together,  commonly 
found  on  sticks  or  dead  leaves  in  water 
or  at  edge  of  water;  yellowish-green  above, 
brownish  below. 

Stems  long,  slender,  often  over  3  inches; 
branched. 

Leaves  long,  hair-like,  straight  or  curved, 
especially  at  ends  of  branches,  erect  or 
spreading,  sometimes  turned  to  one  side; 
yellowish-green;  usually  glossy  in  new 
growth. 

Seta  less  than  Yz  inch  long,  wrapped  in 
long  leaves. 

Capsule  long-cylindrical,  inclined  or 
erect ;  yellowish-brown ;  mature  in  summer. 

Operciiliini  conc-shaj^cd. 

Range,  New  Brunswick  to  Ontario  and  Pennsylvania; 
Europe. 


Dichelyma  capilla- 
ceum 

Capsule  enlarged. 


178         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

Dichelyma  capillaceum  is  usually  found  at  the  edge 
of  ponds  and  in  very  wet,  swampy  places.  The  dis- 
tinguishing characteristics  are  the  long  hair-like  leaves, 
sometimes  turned  to  one  side,  usually  curved  at  the  tips 
of  the  branches  y  with  the  capsule  protruding  from  the  long 
leaves  that  wrap  around  the  seta.  If  this  species  is  fruited, 
the  above  character  of  the  capsule  and  seta  at  once 
separate  it  from  other  mosses  growing  in  similar  situ- 
ations. Sterile  plants  may  be  distinguished  from  Fon- 
tinalis  by  the  curved  leaves,  giving  the  ends  of  the 
branches  a  hooked  appearance.  Dichelyma  is  found  in 
stagnant  water,  while  Fontinalis  grows  in  flowing 
water.  See  Drepanocladus  (p.  213)  and  Amhlystegium 
(p.  208). 


Family  CLIMACIACEAE 


A  FAMILY  of  only  two  genera,  one  occurring  in  our 


45.    CLIMACIUM    Web.    &   Mohr    (Cli-ma-ci-um) 

A  widely  distributed  genus,  commonly  called  '^  Tree- 
IMoss,"  containing  only  a  few  species,  three  of  which 
are  found  in  our  region. 
Name  derived  from  the 
Greek  for  '^  staircase,"  re- 
ferring to  the  appearance 
of  the  inner  peristome. 

Plants  growing  separately 
or  in  compact  clumps  on  wet 
ground,  especially  borders  of 
streams  and  ponds,  one  species 
frequently  occurring  in  water; 
bright  to  dark  green;  quite 
common;  fruit  occasional. 

Primary  stems  creeping  under 
ground  like  stolons;  secondary 
stems  erect,  robust,  usually  tree- 
like in  branching,  the  branches 
longer  and  more  numerous  at  the  end  of  the  stem,  some- 
times showing  red  through  the  leaves. 

Leaves  large,  crowded,  straight,  erect  or  spreading;  rather 
dark  green. 


v.. 


A 


/ 


Climacium  dcndroidcs 


i8o        HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Seta  reddish,  often  i-i  >2  inches  long,  usually  several  on 
one  plant. 

Capsule  erect y  long-cylindrical;  reddish;  mature  in 
autiunn. 

Operculum  short-beaked. 

Climacium  dendroides  (L.)  Web.  &  Mohr  is  the  spe- 
cies most  common  in  the  northern  part  of  our  range, 
especially  in  mountainous  regions.  The  capsule  is 
about  yk  inch  long,  shorter  and  stouter  than  in  the  fol- 
lowing species,  and  the  leaves  are  more  spreading. 

Range,  northern  and  western  North  America,  south  to 
New  Jersey,  Colorado,  and  California;  Europe. 

Climacium  americanum  Brid.  has  a  more  southern 
range.  The  capsules  are  longer  and  more  slender 
than  in  C.  dendroides,  measuring  about  ^16  inch,  and 
the  leaves  are  more  erect. 

Range,  New  Brunswick  to  Alabama,  west  to  the  Rocky 
Mountains. 

Climacium  Kindbergii  (Ren.  &  Card.)  Grout  is  the 
species  that  grows  in  close  clumps,  with  branches  more 
irregular  and  less  frequently  tree-like.  It  is  sometimes 
found  in  water  at  the  edge  of  ponds  and  lakes.  The 
capsule  is  like  that  of  C.  americanum. 

Range,  New  Brunswick  to  Alabama;  west  to  the  Rocky 
Mountains. 


CLIMACIACEAE  i8i 

The  distinguishing  characteristic  of  Climacium  is  the 
manner  of  branching,  which  gives  it  the  popular  name 
of  "  Tree-Moss."  If  a  number  of  plants  are  examined, 
some  are  quite  sure  to  be  found  that  at  once  suggest 
tiny  trees,  as  the  branches  spread  all  around  tlie  stem 
and  point  upwards.  C.  Kindhergii  is  less  tree-like  and 
will  be  more  easily  recognized  if  one  has  first  become 
familiar  with  one  of  the  other  species.   See  Thamnium 

(p.  187). 


Family  LEUCODONTACEAE 

A  FAMILY  containing  several  genera,  one  of  which  is 
occasional  in  our  range. 

46.    LEUCODON     Schwaegr.     (Leuc-o-don) 

A  genus  of  many  species,  three  of  which  occur  in 
the  Middle  and  Eastern  States.  Name  derived  from 
the  Greek  for  "white"  and  a  "  tooth,"  referring  to  the 
pale  peristome. 

Plants  growing  in  loose  patches  on  trees  in  the  woods, 
very  rarely  on  rocks;  yellowish,  brownish,  bright  or  olive- 
green  ;  not  common ;  fruit  rare. 

Primary  stems  slender,  creeping,  often  horizontal  or 
drooping,  with  numerous,  erect,  secondary  stems  /4-i/4 
inches  long,  branched  or  unbranched;  when  dry  usually 
curved  upwards  at  the  ends,  and  smoothly  cylindrical. 

Leaves  straight,  easily  seen  when  moist  and  spreading; 
not  always  seen  when  dry  and  closely  folded;  sometimes 
slightly  turned  to  one  side;  varying  from  bright  to  olive- 
green,  or  brownish. 

Seta  short,  }i-Y%  inch  long,  more  or  less  wrapped  in  long 
leaves. 

Capsule  short-cylindrical,  erect;  brownish;  mature  in 
autumn. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Leucodon  is  to  be  looked  for  on  living  trees  at  least 
four  or  five  feet  from  the  base.    The  distinguishing 


LEUCODONTACEAE 


183 


characteristic  is  the  smooth,  cylindrical  appearance  of 
the  secondary  stems  and  branches,  when  dry,  curved  out- 
wards and  upwards;  when  moist,  the  branches  are 
straight  and  the  leaves  wide-spreading. 

Leucodon  julaceus  (L.)  Sull.  is  a  southern  species,  ex- 
tending north  to  Michigan  and  southern  New  England. 


Leucodon  julaceus 

Plant  when  moist ;  and  when  dry 
leaf  and  capsule  enlarged. 


Leucodon  hrachypus 

Plant  when  moist ;  and  when  dry  ; 
leaf  and  capsule  enlarged. 


The  secondary  stems  are  short,  rarely  more  than  Y\ 
inch  long,  slightly  branched,  perfectly  cylindrical  when 
dry,  without  the  leaves  being  at  all  turned  to  one  side. 
The  leaves  are  yellowish-  to  olive-green.  Only  the  base 
of  the  seta  is  wrapped  in  leaves. 


Leucodon  brachypus  B rid.  is  found  in  mountainous 
or  hilly  woods  from  Nova  Scotia  to  Kansas,  south  to 
the  Gulf  States.  The  secondary  stems  are  lont^,  some- 
times reaching  i  ><  inches.  The  leaves  are  bright  to  olive- 


1 84         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

green,  or  brownish,  sometimes  slightly  turned  to  one  side 
so  that  the  branches  are  not  so  smooth  and  cylindrical  as 
in  the  preceding  species.  The  seta  is  wholly  wrapped  in 
leaves. 

Leucodon  sciuroides  (L.)  Schwaegr.  has  a  range 
similar  to  the  last  species,  and  is  also  found  in  Europe. 
The  secondary  stems  are  short,  usually  not  more  than  }^ 
inch.  The  leaves  are  olive  or  dark  green,  and  show  only  a 
slight  tendency  to  turn  to  one  side.  Fruit  very  rare.  This 
species  so  closely  resembles  L.  julaceus  that  it  is  diffi- 
cult to  point  out  any  distinguishing  characteristic  save 
that  the  tips  of  the  leaves  are  longer  and  more  slender , 
and  the  plants  occur  farther  north. 

Although  the  species  of  Leucodon  are  not  always 
easily  separated,  the  generic  character  of  the  stems 
and  branches,  when  dry,  smoothly  cylindrical  with 
ends  curved  upwards,  is  usually  distinct. 


Family  NECKERACEAE 

A  FAMILY  containing  many  genera,  three  of  which 
occur  in  the  eastern  United  States. 


47.     NECKERA    Hedw.     (Neck-er-a) 

A  very  large  genus,  one  species  of  which  is  common 
and  found  in  most  temperate  regions  of  the  world. 
Named  after  Necker,  an  eighteenth- 
century  botanist  and  bryologist. 

Plants  growing  in  large  loose  patches 
on  trees  in  moist,  cool  woods,  light  or  yel- 
lowish-green; common;  fruit  abundant. 

Primary  stems  creeping;  secondary 
stems  erect,  horizontal  or  drooping,  irregu- 
larly pinnate  or  only  slightly  branched, 
usually  flattened,  and  broad. 

Leaves  straight,  easily  seen,  lying  flat, 
apparently  on  two  opposite  sides  of  the 
stems  and  branches,  more  or  less  trans- 
versely undulate  or  wavy,  not  changed 
when  dry;  light  or  yellowish-green. 

Seta  concealed  by  leaves. 

Capsule  long-cylindrical,  usually  partly  wrapped  in 
leaves,  erect,  sometimes  on  llic  underside  of  the  stems; 
yellowish-brown  with  an  orange  band  around  the  mouth; 
mature  in  autumn. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 


Ncckcra  pcnnata 

Leaf  and  capsule 
enlarged. 


i86         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

Range,  Nova  Scotia  to  Manitoba  and  Yukon  Territory, 
south  to  North  Carolina;  found  in  most  temperate  regions. 

Neckera  pennata  (L.)  Hedw.  is  common  in  moun- 
tainous or  hilly  woods.  It  grows  chiefly  on  deciduous 
trees,  usually  a  few  feet  above  the  base,  often  extending 
well  up  the  trunk.  It  is  easily  recognized  by  the  flat- 
tened appearance  of  the  stems  and  branches,  the  wavy 
leaves  lying  flat  on  either  side  of  the  stems  and  branches 
as  though  pressed,  and  the  capsule  almost  hidden  in  the 
surrounding  leaves.   See  following  genus. 

48.    HOMALIA  (Brid.)     Bryol.  Eur.  (Ho-ma-li-a) 

A  large  genus,  with  only  one  species  occurring  in  our 
region.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for  "  flattened," 
referring  to  the  flattened  appearance  of  the  moss. 

Plants  growing  in  flattened  mats  on  rocks;  more  rarely  at 
the  base  of  trees  in  mountainous  or  hilly  districts;  light 
or  yellowish- green;  often  glossy;  fruit 
rare. 

Stems  slender,  branched,  branches 
flattened  or  curved;  stems  easily  seen 
through  the  thin  leaves. 

Eomalia  Jamesii  y  ^      •   i  ^  i     1     ^  .  1  1 

Leaves  straight,  rounded  at  the  ends, 

Portion  of  branch  ^i      •      .  •.  i 

enlarged.  apparently  m  two  opposite  rows,  and 

in  only  one  layer;  flattened  or  depressed 
on  either  side  of  the  stems  and  branches,  with  leaf-edges  often 
so  closely  and  evenly  overlapping  that  the  separate  leaves 
are  hardly  distinguishable;  light  or  yellowish-green;  glossy; 
not  changed  when  dry. 


NECKERACEAE  187 

Seta  less  than  i  inch  long;  reddish. 
Capsule  cylindrical,   erect;   reddish-brown;  mature  in 
autumn. 

Operculum  long-bcakcd. 

Range,  Newfoundland  to  Pennsylvania,  Washington. 

Homalia  Jamesii  Schimp.  is  our  American  species, 
closely  resembling  the  European  //.  irichomanoides 
(Schreb.)  Br>^ol.  Eur.  The  single  layer  of  leaves  on 
opposite  sides  of  the  stems  and  branches  gives  Homalia 
the  general  appearance  of  Fissidens  (p.  97),  and  some 
of  the  hepatics  (p.  7),  but  the  leaves  of  Homalia  are 
much  lighter  colored,  and  they  do  not  become  crisped  in 
drying.  The  stems  are  more  branched  than  in  Fissi- 
dens. Other  mosses  with  a  flattened  appearance,  com- 
monly growing  on  rocks,  have  fine,  pointed  leaves, 
usually  in  more  than  a  single  layer.  The  wavy  surface 
of  the  leaves  of  Neckera,  the  preceding  genus,  the 
larger  plants  growing  in  larger  patches,  distinguish  it 
from  Homalia. 

49.     THAMNIUM     Bryol.  Eur.     (Tham-ni-um) 

A  genus  of  many  species,  one  of  which  occurs  in  the 
Middle  and  Eastern  States.  Name  derived  from  the 
Greek  for  '*  bush  "  or  ''  tree,"  referring  to  the  tree-like 
branching. 

Thamnium  alleghaniense  (C.  iMiill.)  Br}'ol.  Eur. 
{Porotrichum  alleghaniense  (C.  IMiill.)  Grout)  grows 
on  damp  rocks,  shaded  ravines,  and  ledges,  usually 


i88 


HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


along  mountain  and  hill  streams.  It  has  been  found  in 
Worcester  County,  Massachusetts,  growing  on  rocks 
in  an  old  well  in  the  woods ;  not  common. 

Plants  large,  growing  in  loose  clusters ;  rather  bright  green ; 
fruit  rare. 

Primary  sterns  creeping;  secondary  stems  erect  or  ascending, 
2-3  inches  long;  branches  only  toward  the  ends  of  the  stems; 
somewhat  tree-like  in  arrange- 
ment ;  spreading  when  moist; 
more  erect  when  dry,  and  often 
curved  and  turned  to  one  side. 
Leaves  easily  seen,  straight; 
spreading  when  moist ;  more  erect 
when  dry;  rather  bright  green. 

Seta  short,  curved;  reddish- 
brown. 

Capsule  long-cylindrical,  in- 
clined; reddish-brown;  mature 
in  autumn. 

Operculum  short-beaked. 
Range,  Nova  Scotia  to  Min- 

Thamnium  alleghaniense  neSOta,  SOUth  tO  the  Gulf  States. 

Thamnium  alleghaniense  is  a  conspicuous  moss, 
rarely  found,  but  easily  known  from  the  illustration 
and  description.  The  erect  tree-like  growth  is  some- 
what like  Climacium  (p.  179),  but  the  branches  when 
moist  spread  out  on  either  side  of  the  stem;  when  dry, 
turn  to  one  side  instead  of  remaining  equally  spread 
all  around  the  stem,  as  in  Climacium.  Thamnium 
grows  on  rocks  and  is  rare,  while  Climacium  grows  on 
the  ground,  and  is  common. 


Family  ENTODONTACEAE 

A  FAMILY  of  several  genera,  found  in  most  temperate 
and  warmer  regions. 

50.     ENTODON     C.  Mull.     (Ent-o-don) 

A  very  large  genus,  two  species  of  which  are  occa- 
sional in  most  localities.  Name  derived  from  the 
Greek  for  ''within"  and  ''tooth,"  referring  to  the 
insertion  of  the  peristome. 

Plants  growing  in  low,  close  mats  on  decaying  wood,  roots 
of  trees,  rocks,  or  ground;  glossy;  light  or  yellow-green,  some- 
times golden,  rarely  darker;  not  rare;  fruit  occasional. 

Stems  prostrate,  irregularly  branched,  branches  usually 
%-%v[iQh.  long;  cylindrical  in  E.  seductrix;  more  or  less 
flattened  in  E.  cladorrhizans. 

Leaves,  straight,  usually  large  enough  to  be  seen  when 
moist;  in  E.  cladorrhizans  flat  and  spreading;  in  E.  sedtic- 
trix  erect  and  closely  folded;  glossy;  usually  light  or  yellow- 
ish-green. 

Seta  >^-i  inch  long;  reddish-brown. 

Capsule  erect,  long-cylindrical;  reddish-brown;  mature  in 
autumn. 

Operculum  short-beaked. 

a.  Branches    usually   flattened,    leaves   flattened   and 

spreading  ....£.  cladorrhizans. 

b.  Branches  cylindrical,  leaves  erect  and  closely  folded 

....£.  seductrix. 


IQO 


HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


Entodon  cladorrhizans  (Hedw.)  C.  Miill.  usually 
grows  on  old  logs  or  at  the  base  of  trees.  It  is  light 
green  or  yellow-green  and  glossy, 
but  not  golden.  The  leaves  are 
usually  large  enough  to  be  seen 
when  moist.  The  stems  nearly 
always  have  a  flattened,  pressed 
appearance,  making  them  rather 
broad,  although  the  leaves  do  not  appear  to  be  in  only 
two  rows,  as  in  other  flattened  mosses.  This  species 
does  not  fruit  so  freely  as  E.  seductrix,  and  is  not  so 
common. 

Range,  New  Brunswick  to  Minnesota,  south  to  the  Gulf 
States;  Europe. 


Entodon  cladorrhizans 


Entodon  seductrix  (Hedw.)  C.  Miill.  is  frequent  in 
moist  woods  on  decaying  logs,  earth,  rocks,  and  roots 
of  trees,  sometimes  fruiting  abun- 
dantly. The  stems  are  usually 
smoothly  cylindrical,  especially  when 
dry.  The  leaves  are  not  easily  seen, 
are  closely  folded,  and  are  usually 
glossy;  yellowish-green,  often  golden,  very  rarely  dark 
green. 

Range,  New  England  to  Minnesota,  south  to  Florida  and 
Texas. 


Entodon  seductrix 


ENTODONTACEAE  191 

The  Entodons  can  generally  be  distinguished  by  the 
very  glossy,  light  or  yellow-green  leaves,  closely  folded  in 
E.  scductrix,  and  more  or  less  flattened  in  E.  clador- 
rhizans.  They  are  not  so  common  as  several  other 
mosses;  for  instance,  Stcreodon  Haldaniamis  (p.  237) 
and  some  of  the  Brachytheciums  (p.  244),  which  may 
sometimes  be  a  rather  light  green,  slightly  glossy,  and 
have  nearly  cylindrical  branches.  But  these  charac- 
teristics are  not  so  decided  as  in  the  common  Entodon, 
and  in  nearly  all  cases,  where  there  is  a  question  about 
the  color  or  the  cylindrical  branches,  it  will  be  safe  to 
say  that  Entodon  seductrix  has  not  been  collected.  By 
holding  dry  plants  to  the  light,  leaves  will  be  seen 
sticking  out  around  the  branches  in  Stcreodon  and 
Brachytheclum^  but  will  not  be  seen  in  E.  seductrix. 

51.   PLATYGYRIUM  Bryol.  Eur.  (Pla-ty-gy-ri-um) 

A  genus  of  several  species,  one  of  which  is  found  in 
North  America.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for 
*'  large  "  and  ''  ring,"  referring  to  the  row  of  cells  at  the 
mouth  of  the  capsule. 

Platygyrium  repens  (Brid.)  Br>'ol.  Eur.  is  found  in 
most  localities  on  decaying  wood,  and  on  roots  and 
trunks  of  trees,  especially  chestnut  and  beech;  rarely 
on  rocks;  fruit  frequent. 

Plants  forming  dense,  flat  mats,  usually  rather  dark 
green. 

Stems   prostrate,    creeping;    irregularly   or   sometimes 


192         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

pinnately  branched;  branches  short,  usually  about  Vi6  inch 
long,  straight  or  very  slightly  curved. 

Leaves  straight,  small,  usually  large 
enough  to  be  seen  when  moist  and 
spreading;  closely  folded  when  dry;  a 
./^^^^      rather  dark  green. 

Seta  reddish;  %-!  inch  long. 
Piatygyriumrepens  Capsule  erect,  Cylindrical,  slender; 

Branch  enlarged.        feddish-brown ;  mature  in  autumn. 
Operculum  long-beaked. 

Range,  North  America,  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains; 
Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 

The  favorite  habitat  of  Platygyrium  is  on  decay- 
ing logs.  When  the  plants  are  moist,  they  very 
closely  resemble  Pylaisia,  the  following  genus,  but 
the  latter  is  more  commonly  found  on  trees.  As  a 
rule,  Platygyrium  is  a  darker  green,  the  branches 
are  a  little  longer,  and  straighter  when  dry,  and 
the  lea'oes  fold  straight  and  evenly  around  the  stems 
and  branches,  instead  of  turning  to  one  side,  as  in 
Pylaisia. 

The  erect  capsule,  and  the  stems  usually  less  regu- 
larly pinnate,  distinguish  Platygyrium  from  other 
mosses  with  short  branches  found  in  similar  habitats. 

52.    PYLAISIA    Bruch  &  Schimp.     (Py-lai-si-a) 

A  genus  of  many  species  growing  chiefly  on  trees  in 
the  woods  or  in  the  open.  Four  species  are  found  in  our 
region,  but  they  are  distinguished  from  each  other  by 


ENTODONTACEAE  193 

microscopic  characteristics  of  the  peristome.   Named 
after  De  La  P}'laie,  a  noted  moss  student. 

Plants  growing  in  flat,  dense  mats  on  trees,  less  fre- 
quently  on    decaying    logs;    light   green  . 
or  yellowish-green;  common;  fruit  often  ^'       \ 
abundant.  ^^^^       \ 

Stems  prostrate,  creeping,  irregularly  ^^yXX 

pinnate;   branches  erect,  short,  about  }i  '^'"^^^ 

inch  long,  usually  curved.  „  ,  •  •    c-  ;  •    .   • 

°'  '  Pylaisia  Schtmpert 

Leaves  straight  or  curved,  S7nall,  often      ^       ^     ,       , 

^  I  Branch  enlarged. 

large  enough  to  be  seen  when  moist  and 

S[)reading,  usually  turned  in  one  direction,  especially  when 

dry;  light  or  yellowish-green. 

Seta  about  ^  inch  long;  reddish. 

Capsule  erect,  cylindrical,  slender;  yellowish-  or  reddish- 
brown;  mature  in  autumn. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Range,  Eastern  and  Middle  States;  one  of  our  species,  P. 
Schimperi  Card.,  also  found  in  Europe  and  Asia. 

The  distinguishing  generic  characteristics  of  Pylaisia 
are  the  erect  capsules,  the  rather  light-green  leaves,  usu- 
ally somewhat  turned  in  one  direction,  especially  when 
dry,  and  the  short,  erect,  curved  branches,  which  give  the 
plants  a  soft,  curly  appearance.  These  last  two  charac- 
teristics —  leaves  turned  in  one  direction  and  branches 
curved  —  are  better  seen  when  the  plants  arc  dry,  as  in 
moist  plants  both  leaves  and  branches  are  straighter 
and  more  spreading.  Old  apple  trees  and  willows  are 
favorite  habitats  of  Pylaisia.  See  Platygyrium,  the 
preceding  genus,  for  comparison,  which  it  most  closely 


194        HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

resembles.  If  only  sterile  plants  are  found,  Pylaisia 
can  usually  be  distinguished  from  other  similar  mosses 
growing  on  trees  by  the  short,  erect  branches,  curved 
when  the  plants  are  dry.  Leucodon  (p.  182)  also  has 
branches  curved  when  dry,  but  the  leaves  are  a  much 
darker  green. 


Family  LESKEACEAE 

A  LARGE  family  occurrin^^  in  temperate  and  tropical 
regions,  chiefly  on  trees  and  rocks,  more  rarely  on  the 
ground.  Several  genera  are  found  in  the  United  States. 

53.     THELIA     Sull.     (The-li-a) 

A  North  American  genus  of  only  a  few  species,  three 
of  which  are  found  in  our  range.  Name  derived  from 
the  Greek  for  "  papilla,"  referring  to  the  tiny  projec- 
tions on  the  leaves. 

Plants  growing  in  close,  flat,  intricate  mats;  two  species 
found  on  stumps  and  at  the  base  of  trees  in  the  woods ;  a 
third  occurring  on  ledges  and  flat  rocks 
or  dry,  sandy  soil;  light,  grayish-green,  or 
gray  blue-green,  rarely  darker;  dull;  com- 
mon ;  fruit  occasional. 

Stems    creeping,   sometimes    horizon-        ^^'^'''  ^''^'"^ 
tally,  the  under  side  thickly  covered  with  broitm  radicles, 
pinnately  or  irregularly  branched;  branches  numerous,  short, 
usually  about  /S  inch  long,  straight,  erect,  smoothly  cylin- 
drical. 

Leaves  closely  folded,  too  small  to  be  seen  even  when 
moist;  light  or  grayish  bluc-grccn,  rarely  darker. 

Seta  about  I2  inch  long;  reddish. 

Capsule  erect,  cylindrical,  slender;  yellowish-brown;  ma- 
ture in  autumn. 

Operculum  short-beaked. 


196        HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Peristome  white. 

Range,  Eastern  and  Middle  United  States. 

Thelia  hirtella  (Hedw.)  SuU.  and  Thelia  asprella 
Sull.  are  most  frequently  found  in  New  England  at  the 
base  of  trees.  These  two  species  often  fruit  abundantly. 
They  cannot  be  easily  distinguished  without  the  use 
of  a  compound  microscope. 

Thelia  Lescurii  Sull.  is  found  on  ledges,  flat  rocks, 
and  dry,  sandy  soil.  It  occurs  from  Connecticut 
southward  and  westward.  The  branches  are  stouter 
than  in  the  two  preceding  species  and  are  arranged 
in  clusters.    The  fruit  is  rare. 

The  distinguishing  characteristics  of  Thelia  are  the 
numerous  short  cylindrical  branches,  with  the  stems  so 
interwoven  that  the  plants  form  a  close  mat,  the  brown 
radicles  on  the  under  side  of  the  mat,  and  the  long, 
slender,  erect  capsule  with  white  peristome.  The  color  is 
also  characteristic,  as  it  is  a  grayer  green  or  more  bluish- 
green  than  most  mosses.  The  stems  running  horizon- 
tally are  especially  noticeable  in  young,  thin  mats. 
See  Leskea  (p.  2oi\ 

54.     MYURELLA    Bryol.  Eur.     (My-u-rel-la) 

A  genus  of  only  a  few  species,  two  of  which  occur  in 
our  range.  Name  derived  from  the  Latin  for  ''  mouse- 
tail,"  referring  to  the  slender,  cylindrical  branches. 


LESKEACEAE  197 

Plants  growing  in  crevices  of  moist  rocks,  especially  lime- 
stone, in  mountainous  and  hilly  woods;  often  mixed  with 
other  mosses  or  forming  only  small  patches;  light  bluish- 
green;  not  common;  fruit  rare. 

Stems  very  slender,  cylindrical,  irregularly  branched  ; 
branches  straight,  up  to  ^a  inch  long. 

Leaves  straight,  very  small;  closely  folded        ^ 


or    sometimes    spreading ;    rarely    large 
enough  to  be  seen;  light  or  bluish-green. 

Seta  about  yi  inch  long;  reddish.  Myurdia  gracUis 

Capsule   small,   erect,    cylindrical;   yel- 
lowish-brown;    mature   in  spring  or  summer. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Range,  Canada  and  the  northern  United  States;  Europe; 
Asia. 

Myurella  gracilis  (Weinm.)  Lindb.  (M.  careyana 
Sull.)  is  the  species  most  frequently  collected.  The 
leaves  are  spreading  and  somewhat  separated,  and, 
although  so  very  small,  can  sometimes  be  seen  when 
the  plants  are  held  to  the  light. 

Myurella  julacea  (Vill.)  Bryol.  Eur.  is  a  rare 
species.  The  leaves  fold  so  closely  that  they  cannot 
be  seen  without  a  lens.  The  stems  and  branches  are 
very  slender  and  smoothly  cylindrical. 

Large  specimens  of  Myurella  are  rarely  found,  as  it 
more  often  grows  mixed  with  other  limestone-loving 
mosses  or  in  very  small  patches.  It  can  usually  be  dis- 
tinguished by  the  pale  bhiish-grccn  color  and  the  -ocry 
slender  stems  and  branches. 


198        HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


55.     ANOMODON     Hook.  &  Tayl.    (A-nom-o-don) 

A  genus  containing  many  species  confined  to  the 
Northern  Hemisphere.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek 
for  "  not,"  "  law,"  and  "  tooth,"  referring  to  the  peri- 
stome, which  was  at  first  considered  abnormal. 

Plants  usually  growing  in  thick  mats;  found  chiefly  at  the 
base  of  trees,  more  rarely  on  rocks;  bright,  olive,  or  dark 
green,  becoming  yellowish  or  brownish  with  age;  common; 
fruit  rare. 

Primary  stems  creeping,  usually  leafless;  secondary  stems 
erect  or  ascending,  irregularly  branched;  branches  }i-i  inch 
long. 

Leaves  straight ;  generally  spreading  when  moist;  more  or 
less  folded  when  dry;  sometimes  too  small  to  be  seen  easily; 
bright,  olive,  or  dark  green. 

Seta  y2-i  inch  long;  reddish  or  yellowish. 

Capsule  erect,  cylindrical;  reddish-  or  yellowish-brown; 
mature  in  autumn. 

Operculum  short  or  long-beaked. 

a.  Leaves  usually  too  small  to  he  seen;  closely  folded,  es- 
pecially when  dry;  usually  bright  green,  except  when 
very  old  .  .  .  .  A.  rostratus. 
h.  Leaves  usually  easily  seen;  wide- spreading  when  moist ; 
somewhat  folded  when  dry;  usually  olive  or  dark  green, 
except  when  very  old  .... 

A.  attenuatus. 
A.  minor. 
A.  apiculatus. 


LESKEACEAE 


199 


a 

Anomodon  rostratus  (Hcdw.)  Schimp.  is  one  of  the 
common  species,  and  is  usually  a  rather 
bright  green.  The  leaves  are  much  smaller 
and  more  closely  folded,  both  when  moist 
and  when  dry,  than  those  of  the  other 
species.  The  branches  are  often  not  more 
than  ^2  inch  long,  and  usually  arranged  in 
clusters.  The  beak  of  the  operculum  is 
long,  which  suggested  the  name  rostratus  for 
species. 

Range,  Canada  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico;  Europe;  Asia. 


Anomodon  minor  (Palis.)  Fiirn.  {A.  ohtusifolius 
Bryol.  Eur.)  has  hlunt,  wide-spread- 
ing leaves  that  fold  only  a  little  when 
dry.  It  is  olive  or  dark  green,  becom- 
ing browner  with  age.  The  second- 
ary stems  sometimes  reach  2  inches 
in  length,  with  branches  about  i  inch 
long.   Parts  of  the  plant  often  have 

Q,  flattened  appearance  where  the  leaves  are  the  largest 

and  most  spreading. 

Range,  New  Brunswick  to  South  Dakota  and  Virginia; 
Asia. 


Anomodon  minor 


200         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Anomodon  apiculatus  Bryol.  Eur.  closely  resembles 
A .  minor  in  general  appearance,  but  is  not  so  common, 
and  occurs  chiefly  in  mountainous  districts. 

Range,  Ontario  and  New  England  south  to  Georgia; 
Europe;  Asia. 

Anomodon  attenuatus  (Schreb.)  Hiiben.  is  the  com- 
mon species  in  most  localities.  It  is  olive-green  or 
brownish,  sometimes  becoming  yel- 
low-brown with  age.  The  leaves  are 
more  finely  pointed  than  those  of  A . 
minor  and  A .  apiculatus,  less  spread- 
ing when  moist,  sometimes  slightly 
turned  to  one  side,  and  more  closely 
Anomodon  attenuatus  folded  whcu  dry.  Some  of  the 
branches  are  long  and  very  slender  at  the  ends,  almost 
hair-like,  which  suggested  the  name  attenuatus  for  the 
species.  In  the  spring  the  plants  are  covered  with 
numerous  short  young  branches,  rounded  and  curved 
at  the  ends. 

Range,  Newfoundland  to  Florida,  west  to  British  Colum- 
bia and  Kansas;  Cuba;  Europe;  Asia. 

Anomodon  forms  rather  loose,  thick  mats  at  the  base 
of  trees  and  on  rocks,  and  is  usually  olive-green  or 
quite  brown,  except  in  A.  rostratus.  When  it  has  a 
flattened  appearance  it  suggests  Fissidens  (p.  97)  and 
some  of  the  hepatics  (p.  7),  but  the  growth  of  Anom- 
odon is  often  thicker,  with  leafless,  creeping  stems,  and 
the  color  is  browner.  See  Leskea,  the  following  genus. 


LESKEACEAE  201 

56.  LESKEA  Hcdw.  (Les-ke-a) 

A  widely  distributed  genus  of  several  species,  not 
easily  distinguished.  Named  after  Leske,  a  professor 
at  Leipsic. 

Plants  forming  rather  thin  mats,  usually  at  the  base  of 
trees,  less  frequently  on  stones  and  decaying  wood ;  dark 
or  yellowish-green;  not  common;  some- 
times fruiting  abundantly. 

Stems  prostrate,  irregularly  branched ; 
branches  erect  or  ascending;  usually  less 
than  }4.  inch  long. 

Leaves  straight,  very  small,  sometimes         "  ^^    °^'^'^^  ^ 
large  enough  to  be  seen  when  moist  and  spreading;  dark 
or  yellowish-green. 

Seta  about  >2  inch  long;  yellowish  or  reddish. 

Capsule  erect,  cylindrical;  yellowish;  maturing  in  early 
summer  or  autumn. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Range,  Canada  and  the  United  States;  Europe;  Asia. 

The  favorite  habitat  of  Lcskea,  like  that  of  Thelia 
(p.  195)  and  Anomodon,  the  preceding  genus,  is  at  the 
base  of  trees. 

Leskea  forms  thinner,  flatter  mats  than  Anomodon, 
the  growth  is  finer,  the  leaves  smaller,  and  the  plants 
often  bear  fruit  quite  abundantly.  Leskea  also  grows 
in  thinner  mats  than  Thdia.  It  is  a  browner  or  darker 
green,  the  branches  are  longer  and  more  slender,  the 
plants  are  not  coated  with  brown  radicles  on  the  under 
side,  and  the  peristome  does  not  show  white  as  in 


202        HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Thelia.  Other  mosses  commonly  growing  at  the  base 
of  trees  are  a  lighter  green,  with  larger  leaves,  and 
curved  capsules. 

57.     THUIDIUM     Bryol.  Eur.     (Thu-id-i-um) 


A  genus  containing  a  great  many  species,  widely 
distributed.  The  three  most  frequent  species  are  given 
below.  Name  derived  from  the  Latin  for  a  ''  small 
feathery  branched  tree,"  referring  to  the  delicate 
branching  of  the  plants. 

r 


Thuidium  ahietinum 


Thuidium  delicattdum 

Portion  of  stem  and 
branches  enlarged. 


a.  Stems  regularly  pinnate  ....     T.  ahietinum. 

b.  Stems  regularly  bipinnate  or  tripinnate  .... 

T.  delicatulum. 
T.  recognitum. 

Note.  Care  must  be  taken  not  to  mistake  the  bipinnate  or  tripinnate 
branches  for  leaves.  The  leaves  on  the  branches  are  too  small  to  be  seen 
without  a  lens.    Stem  leaves  can  sometimes  be  seen. 


LESKEACEAE  '  203 


Plants  growing  in  dense  tufts  on  rocks,  or  on  the  ground, 
in  dry,  open  woods,  especially  in  limestone  regions;  rather 
dark  green,  or  olive-green;  not  common;  not  yet  found 
fruiting  in  our  range. 

Stems  erect,  usually  regularly  pinnately  branched;  stiff, 
harsh  to  the  touch,  especially  when  dry. 

Leaves  small,  straight;  sometimes  not  easily  seen;  closely 
folded  when  dry;  rather  dark  green,  or  olive-green;  dull. 

Seta  long. 

Capsule  long-cylindrical,  curved;  mature  in  spring;  not 
yet  found  in  our  range. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Range,  Greenland  to  Virginia,  west  to  Alaska  and  the 
Rocky  Mountains;  Europe;  Asia. 

Thuidium  abietinum  (Dill.,  L.)  Bryol.  Eur.  may  be 
distinguished  by  the  erect,  pinnate  stems,  the  straight 
leaves,  dark  dull  green  in  color,  and  by  the  stif,  harsh 
feeling  when  dry.  Other  mosses  with  similar  growth  are 
lighter  in  color  and  grow  in  wetter  places  {Ilelodium 
lanatum,  p.  206);  or  have  curved  leaves,  also  lighter 
green  (Ptilium,  p.  230) ;  or  are  more  common  and  have 
glossy  leaves  {Ilypnum,  p.  229).  It  is  also  well  to  re- 
member that  T.  abietinum  occurs  chiefly  in  limestone 
countries. 

b 

Thuidium  delicatulum  (Dill,  L.)  Mitt,  and  Thuid- 
ium recognitum  (L.,  Hedw.)  Lindb.  are  two  of  the 
largest  species,  and  arc  found  in  most  localities. 


204        HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Plants  Jem-like,  growing  in  intricate  mats  on  the  ground, 
decaying  wood,  and  rocks  in  moist  woods;  bright  green  or 
yellow-green ;  common ;  fruit  occasional. 

Stems  long,  prostrate,  or  often  alternately  arched  and 
rooting;  regularly  hipinnately  branched;  occasionally  some 
branches  are  tripinnate,  especially  toward  the  base  near  the 
main  stem,  giving  a  triangular  appearance  to  the  branch  as 
a  whole. 

Leaves  straight,  too  small  to  be  seen. 

Seta  long,  i-i>^  inches;  reddish. 

Capsule  long-cylindrical,  inclined,  curved;  reddish- 
brown;  mature  in  winter. 

Operculum  short-  or  long-beaked. 

Range,  almost  cosmopolitan. 

The  regular  hipinnate  branching  of  these  two  Thuid- 
iums  gives  them  a  delicate,  fern-like  appearance,  which 
is  a  conspicuous  characteristic. 

Another  fern-like  moss  isHylocomium  (p.  225),  but  it 
is  much  larger  than  Thuidium,  and  is  more  often  tri- 
pinnate in  branching.  An  unusually  large  growth  of 
Thuidium,  especially  if  the  tripinnate  branching  is 
conspicuous,  may  be  mistaken  for  Hylocomium.  In 
this  case  the  general  manner  of  growth  must  be  care- 
fully examined.  In  Thuidium  the  stems  interweave 
and  often  arch  and  root  again  at  the  tips,  then  con- 
tinue growth,  arching  and  rooting  and  so  on,  forming  a 
tangled  mat,  so  that  it  is  difficult  to  pull  out  a  long 
piece  of  the  stem.  The  new  growth  does  not  regularly 
start  from  the  center  of  the  shoot  of  the  previous  year, 
as  in  Hylocomium.  On  the  other  hand,  the  tips  of  the 


LESKEACEAE  205 

stems  in  Ilylocomium  do  not  root  and  then  continue 
growth,  as  in  Thuldium,  and  long  portions  of  the  stems 
can  be  pulled  out,  as  the  plants  grow  in  looser  mats. 
The  leaves  on  the  stems  of  Hylocomium  are  large 
enough  to  be  seen  easily,  while  those  on  the  stems  of 
Thuidium  are  too  small  to  be  seen  without  the  aid  of  a 
lens. 


58.     HELODIUM     (SuU.)     Warnst.     (He-16-di-um) 

A  very  small  genus ;  two  species  occur  in  the  North- 
ern and  Middle  States.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek 
for  ''swamp,"  referring  to  the  natural  locality  of  the 
plants. 

Plants  growing  on  the  ground  in  swamps  and  hogs;  light 
or  yellowish-green;  not  very  common;  fruit  rare. 

Sola  long,  i-i/^  inches;  reddish. 

Capside  long-cylindrical,  curved,  inclined;  mature  in 
summer. 

Opercidum  cone-shaped. 

a.  Stems  erect,  stiff,  regularly  and  closely  pinnate. 
Leaves  straight,  erect;  usually  too  small  to  be  seen 

easily  .  .  .  .  H.  lanatum. 

b.  Stems  prostrate,  soft,  slender,  irregularly  and  distantly 

pinnate. 
Leaves  smaW,  hut  easily  seen,  straight,  spreading  .  .  .  . 

H,  paludosum. 


206        HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


Helodium  lanatum  (Stroem)  Broth.  {Thuidium 
Blandowii  (Web.  &  Mohr)  Bryol.  Eur.)  has  a  northern 
range,  —  Greenland,    Labrador,    and    the    northern 


'T" 


Helodium  lanatum 


Helodium  paludosum 


United  States.  The  plants  grow  close  together;  the 
stems  are  erect  and  stiff;  the  branches  are  closely  and 
regularly  pinnate;  the  leaves  are  usually  too  small  to  be 
seen  easily;  and  the  color  is  generally  light  green. 


Helodium  paludosum  (Sull.)  Aust.  {Thuidium  palu- 
dosum (Sull.)  Rau.  &  Herv.)  is  the  more  frequent  spe- 
cies occurring  in  the  Northern  and  Middle  States.  The 
plants  form  loose  spreading  mats;  the  stems  are  pros- 
trate, irregularly  and  distantly  pinnate;  the  leaves  are 


LESKEACEAE  207 

easily  seen  and  wide-spreading,  and  arc  a  rather  dark 
yellowish-green. 

Both  species  of  Helodium  are  to  be  expected  only  in 
very  wet  places,  and  both  have  small  leaves.  The  erect, 
close  growth  of  //.  lanatum,  with  stout  stems  regularly 
pinnate,  and  the  thin,  straggling  mats  of  //.  paludosum, 
with  prostrate,  slender  stems  and  distant  branches,  are 
distinguishing  characteristics. 


Family  HYPNACEAE 

A  LARGE  family  widely  distributed,  found  in  all 
kinds  of  places. 

59.     AMBLYSTEGIUM     Bryol.  Eur. 
(Am-bly-ste-gi-um) 

A  genus  of  many  species  occurring  chiefly  in  tem- 
perate regions.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for 
'^  blunt  "  and  "  roof,"  referring  to  the  operculum. 

a.  Plants  fine,  leaves  very  small,  erect- spreading  .... 

A.  serpens,  A.  varium,  etc. 

b.  Plants  coarser,  leaves  long,  narrow,  wide-spreading 

.  .  .  .  A.  riparium  and  varieties. 


Plants  growing  in  very  thin  mats  at  the  base  of  trees,  on 
decaying  logs,  soil,  and  rocks  in  moist  woods;  dull  or  yellow- 
ish-green; common;  fruit  common. 

Stems  very  slender,  prostrate,  irregu- 
larly branched. 

Leaves  straight,  small  and  fine;  erect- 
spreading  when   moist,    and  usually 

Amblystesium  serpens       ^^^^^     ^^^^^^     ^^     ^^     ^^^^,     ^^^^^^ 

against  the   stem   when   dry;    dull   or   yellowish-green. 

Seta  usually  /4-i  inch  long;  reddish. 

Capsule  long-cylindrical,  inclined,  slender,  usually  muck 
curved;  reddish-  or  yellowish-brown;  mature  in  summer. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Range,  almost  a  cosmopolitan  species. 


HYPNACEAE 


209 


Amblystegium  serpens  (L.)  Bryol.  Eur.  is  the  small- 
est species  and  is  a  very  common  one.  It  not  infre- 
quently grows  mixed  with  other  mosses,  but  it  is  dis- 
tinguished by  the  very  slender,  delicate  stems,  often 
abundantly  fruited.  Amblystegium  varium  (Hedw.) 
Lindb.  somewhat  resembles  A,  serpens,  except  that  it 
is  a  little  larger  in  every  way.  Other  small  species  of 
Amblystegium  are  sometimes  found,  but  they  are  not 
easily  separated.  All  are  characterized  by  the  very 
slender  stems  and  branches  and  by  the  capsule  strongly 
curved  when  mature. 


Plants  growing  in  soft,  flat  mats  on  earth,  stones,  or  roots 
of  trees  in  swamps,  sometimes  floating  in  running  water; 
bright  or  yellowish-green;  not  common, and 
not  often  fruiting. 

Stems  sletider,  usually  3-5  inches  long; 
branches  horizontally  spreading. 

Leaves  straight,  long,  narrow,  ending  in  a 
fine  tip;  wide-spreading,  somewhat  separated; 
bright  or  yellowish-green. 

Seta  about  i  inch  long;  reddish. 

Capsule  long-cylindrical,  inclined,  curved; 
mature  in  late  spring. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Range,  almost  a  cosmopolitan  species. 


AmblysUi^ium 
riparium 


Amblystegium  riparium  (L.)  Bryol.  Eur.  and  the 
varieties  occur  in  very  wet  places,  or  e\cn  in  streams. 
They  are  distinguished  from  other  mosses  growing  in 


2IO         HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

similar  localities  by  the  horizontal  branches,  and  the 
long  narrow  leaves,  straight,  rather  distant,  and  wide- 
spreading,  both  when  moist  and  when  dry.  See  Fon- 
tinalis  (p.  175),  Dichelyma  (p.  177),  and  Drepanocladus 
(p.  213). 

60.    HOMOMALLIUM     (Schimp.)     Loesk. 
(Ho-mo-mal-li-um) 

A  small  genus,  but  one  species  occurring  in  our  range. 
Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for  ''  same  "  and  "  to 
rise,"  referring  to  the  slight  tendency  of  the  branches 
and  leaves  to  turn  to  one  side. 

Plants  growing  in  thin,  closely  adherent  mats  on  rocks 
and  at  the  base  of  trees  in  woods;  yellowish-  or  olive-green; 
not  very  common;  fruit  occasional. 

Stems  very  slender,  creeping,  irregu- 
larly branched. 

Zeai'^5  small,  sometimes  large  enough 

Eomomalhum  adnatum  ,       i       r  t  i    i 

to  be  seen;  straight,  closely  folded; 
yellowish-  or  olive-green. 

Seta  about  /4  inch  long;  reddish. 

Capsule  short-cylindrical,  inclined,  curved;  yellowish-  or 
reddish-brown;  mature  in  autumn. 

Operculum  short-beaked. 

Range,  New  Brunswick  to  British  Columbia,  south  to 
North  Carolina  and  Texas;  Asia. 

Homomallium  adnatum  (Hedw.)  Broth.  (Amhly- 
stegiella  adnata  (Hedw.)  Nichols)  somewhat  resembles 
small  forms  of  AmUystegium  (p.  208),  and  especially 


HYPNACEAE  211 

Stcrcodon  rcptilis  (p.  233).  It  is  less  frequent  than 
either  of  these  two  mosses  and  has  smaller  leaves  and 
shorter  capsules.  The  stems  are  slender  like  Amhly- 
stcgium  serpens,  and  less  regularly  branched  than  in 
Stereodon  repliUs.  When  moist  plants  are  held  to  the 
light,  the  leaves  of  Amhlystegiiim,  and  at  least  the  tips 
of  the  leaves  of  Stereodon,  can  be  seen  sticking  out 
around  the  branches,  while  in  Ilomomallium  the 
leaves  fold  so  closely  that  they  can  hardly  be  seen,  and 
the  branches  look  smooth  and  cylindrical. 

61.     HYGROAMBLYSTEGIUM     Loesk. 

(Hy-gro-am-bly-ste-gi-um) 

A  genus  containing  several  species,  occurring  in 
temperate  or  cooler  regions,  only  two  of  which  are 
included  below.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for 
"wet"  and  Amblyslegium,  referring  to  the  Ambly- 
stegiums  that  grow  in  wet  places. 

Plants  growing  in  mats  or  tufts  on  rocks  or  earth  in  wet 
places,  especially  in  and  along  streams;  dark  or  olivc-grecn, 
the  new  shoots  bright  green  in  spring;  fairly  common,  but 
not  always  fruiting. 

Stems  prostrate,  long;  the  lower  part  leafless;  irregularly 
branched;  branches  straight,  erect,  or  parallel;  rather  harsh 
to  the  touch  when  dry. 

Leaves  straight,  fine;  large  enough  to  be  seen;  erect  or 
spreading  when  moist;  more  folded  when  dry;  bright  green 
when  young,  becoming  dark  or  olive-green. 

Seta  H-i  inch  long;  reddish. 


212 


HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


Capsule  long-cylindrical,  inclined,  much  curved,  espe- 
cially when  dry  and  empty;  yellowish-  or  reddish-brown; 
mature  in  late  spring  or  early  summer. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Hygroamblystegium  irriguum  (Wils.)  Loesk.  {Am- 
hlystegium  irriguum  (Wils.)  Bryol. 
Eur.)  is  frequently  found  in  large 
mats  on  stones  along  streams.  The 
stems  have  erect,  crowded  branches. 
In  the  spring  the  young  shoots  are 
erect  and  bright  green,  but  darken 
with  age. 


Hygroamblystegium 
irriguum 


Range,  Ontario  south  to  North  Carolina  and  Missouri; 
Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 


Hygroamblystegium  fluviatile  (Sw.)  Loesk.  {Am- 
hlystegium  fluviatile  (Sw.)  Bryol.  Eur.)  is  generally 
found  floating  in  streams.  The  branches 
are  long  and  parallel^  less  crowded  than 
in  H,  irriguum. 

Range,    Newfoundland    to   Wisconsin, 
south  to  New  Jersey  and  Missouri ;  Europe. 

Hygroamblystegium  may  be  distin-    Hygroamblystegium 
guished  from  other  water-loving  mosses  /w^-i^^^ « 

by  the  combination  of  small  leaves,  long  slender  capsule, 
and  stems  leafless  in  the  lower  part.  The  species  of  Bra- 
chythecium  that  grow  on  rocks  in  brooks,  B.  rivulare 
(p.  247),  B.plumosum  (p.  247)  and Bryhnia novae-angliae 


HYPNACEAE  213 

(p.  254)  have  short  thick  capsules  and  the  lower  part  of 
the  stems  is  not  leafless.  The  leaves  of  the  Brachythe- 
ciums  are  large  and  easily  seen,  while  those  of  Bryknia 
are  sometimes  too  small  to  be  seen,  but  the  branches 
of  Bryhnia  usually  curl  a  little  when  dry,  while  those 
of  Hygroamhlysiegium  remain  straight.  Oxyrhynchium 
(p. 251)  grows  on  rocks  in  brooks,  but  is  a  coarse,  robust 
moss. 

Other  mosses  growing  on  rocks  in  water  and  having 
the  lower  part  of  stems  leafless,  are  Fontinalis  (p.  175), 
and  the  acrocarpous  mosses  Rhacomitrium  (p.  113)  and 
Grhnmia  apocarpa  var.  rivularis  (p.  iii).  Fontinalis 
has  much  longer  stems  and  branches  and  larger  leaves. 
RJiacomitrium  and  Gnmmia,  which  have  the  capsule  at 
the  apex  of  the  stem,  branch  by  forking,  and  have 
larger,  coarser  leaves  that  are  very  wide-spreading 
when  moist,  and  closely  folded  when  dry,  and  are  a 
very  dark  green,  almost  black  on  the  older  part  of  the 
plants.  Individual  plants  of  the  acrocarpous  mosses 
are  easily  separated,  but  the  pleurocarpous  mosses 
form  more  tangled  mats,  so  that  it  is  not  always  easy 
to  separate  a  long  piece  of  the  stem. 

62.     DREPANOCLADUS     (C.  Mull.)     Roth 
(Dre-pa-no-cla-dus) 

A  genus  of  many  species  widcl}'  distributed;  the  two 
of  most  frequent  occurrence  are  given  below.  Name 
derived  from  the  Greek  for  ''  sickle  "  and  ''  plant,'* 


214         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

referring  to  the  branches  hooked  at  the  tips  from  the 
curved  leaves. 

a.  Leaves  short,  mostly  turned  to  one  side  and  strongly 

curved  .  .  .  .  D.  micinatus. 
h.  Leaves  longer,  equally  spreading;  curved,  chiefly  at 
tips  of  stems;  plants  often  floating  .... 

D.  fluitans  and  varieties. 


a 

Plants  growing  in  loose  mats  on  the  ground,  on  decaying 
logs,  and  on  stones  in  moist  woods;  light  green;  common; 
fruit  occasional. 

Stems  prostrate  or  ascending,  1-3 
inches  long;  irregularly  or  distantly 
pinnately  branched;  hooked  at  tips,  from 
curved  leaves. 

Leaves   usually    strongly   curved   and 
turned  to  one  side;  light  green. 
Seta  about  i  inch  long;  reddish. 
Capsule    long-    or    short-cylindrical, 
incUned    and    curved;    reddish-brown; 
mature  in  summer. 
Operculum  cone-shaped. 
Range,  almost  a  cosmopolitan  species. 

Drepanocladus  uncinatus  (Hedw.)  Warnst.  {Hyp- 
num  uncinatum  Hedw.,  Uypnum  aduncum  L.)  is  fre- 
quently found  in  moist  woods  of  mountainous  or  hilly 
regions.  It  varies  a  good  deal,  but  at  least  some  of  the 
branches  will  show  the  strongly  curved  leaves  turned  to 
one  side.  It  is  the  commonest  pleurocarpous  moss  with 


Drepanocladus 
uncinatus 

Branch  enlarged. 


HYPNACEAE  215 

leaves  of  this  character  and  with  stems  nearly  pros- 
trate and  irregularly  or  distantly  pinnately  branched. 
It  may  be  distinguished  from  Stcrcodon  arcuatus  (p. 
236),  which  also  has  leaves  turned  to  one  side,  by  its 
smaller  size,  shorter  branches,  leaves  more  strongly 
curved,  and  more  frequent  fruit. 


Plants  growing  in  loose,  soft  mats  on  the  ground  in 
swamps,  or  floating  in  stagnant  pools,  light  green  or  brown- 
ish ;  common ;  fruit  not  common. 

Stems  prostrate,  slender,  sometimes 
floating;  variable  in  length,  reaching 
several  inches;  irregularly  branched, 
hooked  at  tips,  from  curved  leaves. 

Leaves  long,  hair-like,  spreading; 
mostly  straight;  curved  chiefly  at  ends 
of  stems  and  branches;  light  green  or 
brownish. 

Seta  2-3  inches  long;  reddish -brown. 

Capsule  long-cyHndrical,  inclined, 
curved;  yellowish-  or  reddish-brown; 
mature  in  summer. 

Range,  almost  a  cosmopolitan  species. 

Drepanocladus  fluitans  (Dill.)  ^^^P^^^odadus  jiuitans 
Warnst.  (Hypnum  fluitans  L.,  A7nhlystcgium  fluitans 
De  Not.)  and  the  varieties  vary  in  length  of  stem  and 
leaves;  also  in  the  number  of  branches.  The  long 
forms  with  long  leaves  may  be  confused  with  Dichc- 
ly?na   (p.   177).    The  stems   of   Dichclyma   are   more 


2i6        HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

slender,  the  leaves  more  separated,  and  the  ends  of  the 
stems  and  branches  are  less  strongly  hooked.  Floating 
forms  of  Drepanocladus  resemble  certain  fine  species  of 
Fontinalis  (p.  175),  but  are  found  in  stagnant  water, 
while  Fontinalis  occurs  in  running  water.  The  ends  of 
the  stems  and  branches  of  Fontinalis  are  never  hooked. 


63.    CALLIERGON    (Sull.)    Kindb.    (Cal-li-er-gon) 

A  genus  containing  several  species;  one  of  which  is 
common  in  most  localities,  and  one  is  found  chiefly 
in    limestone    countries.     Name    derived    from    the 

Greek  for   "something    beautifully 

made." 

Plants  growing  on  the  ground  in 
swamps  or  wet,  marshy  places,  or  at  the 
margins  of  pools;  bright  green;  fruit 
occasional. 

Stems  slender,  usually  3-5  inches  long; 
more  or  less  erect  or  sometimes  pros- 
trate; sparingly  or  pinnately  branched. 

Leaves  straight,  large,  spreading,  sepa- 
rated or  crowded;  light  green. 

Seta  about   2  inches  long;  reddish- 

Calliergon  cordijolium     ■, 

Capsule    short-cylindrical,    inclined,    curved;    reddish- 
brown;  mature  in  summer. 
Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Calliergon  cordifolium  (Hedw.)  Kindb.  {Eypnum 
cordijolium  Hedw.)  is  the  common  species  and  often 


''S^ 


HYPNACEAE  217 

forms  large  bright-green  patches  in  very  wet,  swampy 
places.  When  the  stems  arc  more  or  less  erect  and  little 
branched,  the  plants  might  be  mistaken  for  an  acrocar- 
pous moss  unless  the  fruit  can  be  found.  The  acrocar- 
pous moss  which  grows  erect  in  swampy  places  is  Atda- 
comnium  palustre  (p.  141).  Its  leaves  are  long,  narrow 
and  crowded,  while  in  Calliergon  cordijolium  the  leaves 
are  broad  at  the  base  and  separated. 

Range,  Arctic  America,  Canada,  and  the  northern 
United  States;  Europe;  Asia. 

Calliergon  giganteum  (Schimp.)  Kindb.  (Hypnum 
giganteum  Schimp.)  is  found  in  swamps  in  limestone 
countries.  It  resembles  C.  cordifolium  in  general 
growth,  but  it  is  much  more  branched  and  the  leaves 
are  more  crowded. 

Range,  Greenland  to  Pennsylvania,  west  to  the  Pacific 
Coast;  Europe;  Asia. 


64.     ACROCLADIUM     Mitt.     (A-cro-cla-di-um) 

A  small  genus,  one  species  of  which  is  found  in  our 
range.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for  ''  top  "  or 
*'  summit  "  and  "  branch,"  referring  to  the  pointed 
tips  of  the  branches. 

Plants  growing  in  loose  tufts  in  swamps,  bogs,  and  wet 
meadows;  briglit  green,  yellowish-  or  golden-brown ;  glossy ; 
not  common ;  fruit  rare. 


2i8         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 


Stems  stout,  rigid,  erect  or  ascending;  1-4  inches  long; 
pinnately  or  irregularly  branched;  ends  of  stems  and 
branches  pointed  by  the  leaves  rolled  together  (cuspidate). 

Leaves  straight ,  large ,  erect  or  spreading; 
bright  green,  yellowish-  or  golden-brown; 
glossy. 

Seta  1-3  inches  long;  reddish. 
Capsule  long-cylindrical,   inclined   and 
curved;  mature  in  summer. 
Operculum  cone-shaped. 
Range,  Canada  and  the  northern  United 
States;  Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 

Acrocladium  cuspidatum  (L.)  Lindb. 
{Hypnum  cuspidatum  L.,  Calliergon 
cuspidatum  Kindb.)  is  not  found  com- 
monly in  all  localities.  The  cuspidate  or 
pointed  stems  and  branches  are  the  dis- 
tinguishing characteristics.  In  general 
growth  it  resembles  Hypnum  Schreberi  (p.  229),  but 
it  usually  grows  in  wetter  places  and  does  not  have 
reddish  stems  as  does  H.  Schreberi.  The  stems  are 
more  rigid  and  more  erect  than  other  mosses  growing 
in  similar  places. 


Acrocladium  cus- 
pidatum 

End  of  branch 
enlarged. 


65.     HYGROHYPNUM    Lindb. 
(Hy-gro-hyp-num) 


A  genus  of  several  species  found  chiefly  in  mountain 
or  hill  streams;  four  of  most  frequent  occurrence  are 
given  below.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for ''  wet  " 


HYPNACEAE 


219 


and  Hypnum,  referring  to  the  Hypnums  that  grow  in 
wet  places. 

Plants  growing  in  flat  mats  on  rocks  in  beds  of  streams; 
bright  green  or  golden-green,  often  brownish  below. 

6'/<'W5  prostrate,  1-4  inches  long;  irregularly  branched; 
sometimes  leafless  below. 

Leaves  pointed  or  rounded,  erect  or  spreading,  straight, 
or  curved  (especially  at  tips  of  stems  and  branches) ;  some- 
times turned  to  one  side;  bright  green  or  golden-green  in 
new  growth. 

Seta  about  i  inch  long;  reddish. 

Capsule  short-cylindrical,  inclined,  curved;  reddish-  or 
yellowish-brown;  mature  in  summer. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Range,  Arctic  America,  Canada,  and  the  northern  United 
States;  Europe;  Asia. 


Eygrohypnum 
dilatatum 


Eygrohypnum  cugyrium 
var.  Mackayi 


a.  Leaves  rounded,  somewhat  separated  .... 

//.  dilatatum. 

b.  Leaves  pointed,  crowded  .... 

H.  pal  list  re. 

H.  cugyrium  and  variety. 

H.  ochraceum. 


220         HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

a 

Hygrohypnum  dilatatum  (Wils.)  Loesk.  (Hypnum 
dilatatum  Wils.)  may  be  known  from  other  water- 
loving  mosses  by  the  rounded,  somewhat  separated, 
leaves.  It  occurs  only  in  mountain  streams  and  is  not 
common.  The  fruit  is  rare. 


Hygrohypnum  eugyrium  var.  Mackayi  (Schimp.) 
Broth.  (Hypnum  eugyrium  var.  Mackayi  Schimp.)  is 
probably  the  most  common  form  in  our  range.  The 
leaves  of  this  variety  are  not  so  strongly  curved  and 
turned  to  one  side  as  in  the  less  frequent  species  H. 
eugyrium,  but  this  characteristic  is  often  noticeable  at 
least  at  the  ends  of  the  branches.  It  often  grows  in 
large  patches  on  rocks  in  mountain  streams,  occurring 
again  in  similar  places  along  the  coast.  The  fruit  is 
fairly  common,  sometimes  abundant.  The  new  growth 
in  the  spring  is  bright  green  in  contrast  to  the  brown- 
ish-green of  the  older  parts,  and  the  leaves,  at  least  at 
the  ends  of  the  branches,  are  slightly  curved  and 
turned  to  one  side. 

Hygrohypnum  ochraceum  (Turn.)  Broth.  {Hypnum 
ochraceum  Turn.)  is  variable  in  size,  but  usually  has        1 
the  longest  stems  of  the  genus,  sometimes  reaching  4 
inches.   The  leaves  are  generally  curved  and  turned  to 


HYPNACEAE  221 

one  side;  most  frequently  yellowish-green,  more  rarely 
bright  green  or  brownish.  The  fruit  is  rare. 

Hygrohypnum  palustre  (Huds.)  Loesk.  (Ilypnum 
paluslre  Huds.)  resembles  H.  ochraceum  in  a  general 
way,  but  is  much  less  frequent,  and  the  stems  are 
shorter  and  the  leaves  less  curved  and  turned  to  one 
side;  duller  in  color.  The  lower  part  of  the  stems  is 
often  leafless.  The  fruit  is  rare. 

Hygrohypnum,  with  the  exception  of  H.  dilaiatum, 
may  be  distinguished  from  other  mosses  growing  on 
rocks  in  the  beds  of  brooks  by  the  leaves  being  more  or 
less  curved  and  turned  to  one  side.  Plants  with  numer- 
ous short  branches  will  most  likely  be  H.  eugyrium  var. 
Mackayi.  Mixed  with  it  will  sometimes  be  found  Rha- 
comitrium  (p.  1 13),  with  leaves  broader,  equally  spread- 
ing when  moist,  and  closely  folded  when  dry.  Plants 
with  longer  stems  will  most  likely  be  H.  ochraceum. 
Compare  Hygroamblystcgium  (p.  211),  Brachythecium 
plumosum  (p.  247),  and  B.  rivulare  (p.  247),  Oxy- 
rhynchium  (p.  251)  and  Bryhnia  (p.  254). 

66.     CTENIDIUM    (Schimp.)    Mitt.    (Cte-ni-di-um) 

A  genus  containing  several  species,  one  occurring  in 
our  range.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for ''  diminu- 
tive "  and  a  '^  comb,"  referring  to  the  very  regular 
pinnate  branching. 


622         HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Plants  growing  in  soft,  closely  interwoven  mats  on  moist 
rocks  and  earth  in  mountainous  and  hilly  woods;  yellowish- 
green  or  olive ;  not  common ;  fruit  occasional. 

Stems  prostrate  or  ascending;  variable 
in  length,  up  to  3  inches  long;  pinnately 
branched. 

Leaves  fine,    hut  large  enough  to  be 
seen;  curved  or  straight,  wide-spreading, 
Ctenidium  moiiuscum    somewhat  Separated;  yellowish-green  or 
olive. 
Seta  less  than  i  inch  long;  reddish-brown. 
Capsule  short-cylindrical,  inclmed;  mature  in  summer. 
Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Raftge,  Newfoundland  to  Georgia,  west  to  the  Rocky 
Mountains;  Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 

Ctenidium  moUuscum  (Hedw.)  Mitt.  {Eypnum 
moiiuscum  Hedw.)  has  a  soft,  feathery  appearance  due 
to  the  pinnate  branches  and  the  slender  leaves,  some- 
what curved,  wide-spreading,  and  a  little  separated. 
The  general  growth  resembles  Stereodon  imponens 
(p.  233)  and  Ptilium  (p.  230),  but  both  of  these  mosses 
have  strongly  curved  leaves  and  closer  branches. 
Mosses  with  pinnate  branches  and  straight  leaves, 
growing  in  similar  places,  have  leaves  more  erect  and 
more  closely  folded  when  dry,  as  in  Helodium  (p.  205) 
and  Hypnum  (p.  229),  or  much  coarser  leaves,  as  in 
Rhytidiadelphus  (p.  223).  Acrocladium  (p.  217)  grows 
in  more  swampy  places. 


HYPNACEAE 


223 


67.     RHYTIDIADELPHUS     (Lindb.) 
(Rhy-tid-i-a-del-phus) 


Warnst. 


A  small  genus,  two  species  occurring  in  our  range. 

■^ame  derived  from  the  Greek  for  ''wrinkled"  and 

'  brotherhood,"  possibly  referring  to  this  group  having 

he  leaves  more  wrinkled  than  other  members  of  the 

ib-family. 

a.  Plants  very  robust,  rigid;  common  .  .  .  .  R.  triquctrus. 

b.  Plants  slender,  less  rigid ;  not  common  .... 

R.  sguarrosus. 

a 

Plants  shaggy,  growing  singly  or  together  on  the  ground, 
more  rarely  on  earth-covered 
rocks  and  decaying  logs ;  bright 
or  yellowish-green ;  frequent 
in  moist  woods;  fruit  occa- 
sional. 

Stems  very  robust,  stiff,  erect 
or  ascending ;  variable  in  length, 
usually  2-4  inches  long;  irregu- 
larly and  unequally  branched 
or  sometimes  pinnate;  stems 
of  young  branches  showing  red 
through  leaves. 

Leaves  straight,  large,  stiff, 
wide-spreading;  bright  or  yel- 
lowish-green. 

Seta  about  i  inch  long;  red- 
dish-brown. 


Rhytidiadelphus  Iriquctrus 


224        HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Capsule  short-cylindrical,  inclined;  reddish-brown;  ma- 
ture in  early  spring. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Range,  Arctic  America,  Canada,  and  the  northern  United 
States;  south  to  North  Carolina;  Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 

Rhytidiadelphus  triquetrus  (L.)  Warnst.  {Hylo- 
comium  triquetrum  (L.)  Bryol.  Eur.)  is  by  far  the  most 
common  species,  sometimes  growing  quite  abundantly 
on  the  ground  in  rich,  moist  woods.  The  usual  tall 
growth  is  easily  recognized  by  the  stif,  shaggy  appear- 
ance. Sometimes  very  short  plants  are  found  in  dry, 
open  places,  with  only  a  few  short,  unequal  branches, 
but  the  stiff,  wide-spreading  leaves  still  give  a  shaggy 
look  to  the  moss.  This  species  is  sometimes  used  as  a 
packing  material  for  china. 


Rhytidiadelphus  squarrosus  (L.)  Warnst.  (Hylo- 
comium  squarrosum  (L.)  Bryol.  Eur.)  is  found  in 
meadows  and  swampy  places.  It  is  not  common.  The 
general  growth,  the  manner  of  branching,  and  the  wide- 
spreading  leaves  are  similar  in  character  to  R.  trique- 
trus, except  that  the  plants  are  much  more  slender,  and 
the  leaves  are  much  smaller,  with  longer,  finer  points. 
The  stem-leaves  stand  out  at  right  angles  to  the  stem, 
but  this  characteristic  is  not  always  seen  unless  the 
leaves  are  removed  from  the  stem  and  examined  with  a 
lens. 


HYPNACEAE 


225 


68.   HYLOCOMIUM  Bryol.   Eur.    (Hy-lo-c6-mi-um) 

A  small  genus,  three  species  occurring  in  our  range. 
Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for  an  "inhabitant  of 
the  woods." 

a.  Leaves  erect,  usually  too  small   to  be  seen  easily, 
except  on  the  main  stem. 

1.  Stems  regularly  bipinnate  or  tripinnate,  young 
shoots  at  first  only  pinnate  .  ...  II.  prolifcrum. 

2.  Stems   pinnate   or   irregularly   bipinnate  .... 

//.  umbratum. 

b.  Leaves  wide-spreading,  easily  seen;  irregularly  pin- 
nate, or  occasionally  bipinnate  .  ...  II.  hrcvirostre. 


a.  I 

Plants  large,  growing  in 
loose  mats  on  the  ground,  on 
decaying  logs,  on  earth-cov- 
ered rocks,  and  at  the  base  of 
trees  in  moist  mountainous  or 
hilly  woods;  bright,  yellowish- 
or  olive-green;  common;  fruit 
occasional. 

Stems  prostrate  or  ascend- 
ing, 2-8  inches  long ;  bipin- 
nately  or  tripinnately  branched; 
young  shoots  at  first  only  pin- 
nate, iJie  no-V  groiiih  ascending 
from  the  middle  of  the  shoot 
of  the  previous  year.     Stems 


'■-"mfr^p^ 


% 


■^ 


Uylocomium  prolifcrum 


226        HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

showing  red  through  the  leaves  in  the  new  growth  when 
moist  plants  are  held  to  the  light. 

Leaves  straight,  small  on  short  branches;  larger  on  stems 
and  longer  branches;  erect. 

Seta  about  i  inch  long;  reddish-brown. 

Capsule  short-cylindrical,  inclined;  reddish-brown;  ma- 
ture in  spring. 

Operculum  short-beaked. 

Range,  Arctic  America,  Canada,  and  the  northern  United 
States;  Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 


Hylocomium  proliferum  (L.)  Lindb.  {Hylocomium 
splendens  (Hedw.)  Bryol.  Eur.)  is  the  most  frequent 
and  most  conspicuous  species  of  this  genus.  An  exten- 
sive growth  sometimes  carpets  the  ground  in  cool, 
moist  woods  or  covers  the  surface  of  large  boulders  or 
ledges.  It  more  rarely  occurs  at  the  base  of  trees.  If 
carefully  collected,  the  stems  will  show  each  year's 
growth  starting  from  the  center  of  the  shoot  of  the 
previous  year.  This  is  less  distinct  in  the  fruited  speci- 
mens. Very  young  shoots  are  bright  green,  stiff,  erect, 
at  first  only  pinnately  branched,  eventually  becoming 
bipinnate  and  tripinnate,  with  leaves  large  enough  to 
be  seen  easily.  This  growth  usually  starts  from  the 
center  of  the  shoot  of  the  previous  year,  but  some- 
times it  develops  on  an  older  part  of  the  stem, 
and  then  the  stem  becomes  divided.  The  most  dis- 
tinguishing characteristic  of  this  species  is  the  hi- 
pinnate  or  tripinnate  branching,  which  gives  the  moss 
a  fern-like  appearance.    For  comparison  with  Thu- 


HYPNACEAE  227 

idium,  another  fern-like  moss,  see  under  that  genus 
(p.  204). 


a.  2 

Plants  growing  in  thin,  loose  mats  on  the  ground  and  on 
stones  in  mountainous  woods;  bright  green;  not  uncom- 
mon; fruit  rare. 

Stems  sleitder;  prostrate  or  ascending;  up  to  6  inches  long; 
pinnately  or  irregularly  bipinnately  branched,  occasionally 
tripinnate;  branches  unequal, 
frequently  drooping ;  tips  very 
slender. 

Leaves  small,  straight,  erect ; 
sometimes  too  small  to  be 
seen;  bright  green. 

Seta  1-2  inches  long;  red- 
dish. 

Capsule  short-cylindrical, 
inclined;  mature  in  spring. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Range,  Newfoundland  to 
Alaska,  the  northern  United 
States  and  southward  in  the 
mountains;  Europe;  Asia. 


Uylocomium  umbratum 


Hylocomium  umbratum 
(Ehrh.)  BPy'ol.  Eur.  {Hyp- 
num  umbratum  Ehrh.)  oc- 
curs much  less  frequently  than  //.  prolifcrum.  The 
stems  are  more  slender,  less  regularly  hipinnate,  and 
the  tips  of  the  branches  are  very  fine,  often  drooping, 
and  sometimes  rooting. 


228        HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


Plants  growing  chiefly  on  rocks  in  shaded  ravines  in 
mountainous  regions;  dull  green;  not  common;  fruit 
occasional. 

Stems  rigid,  usually  prostrate  or  arched;  irregularly 
branched. 

Leaves  quite  large,  straight,  spreading,  dull  green. 

Seta  about  i  inch  long;  reddish. 

Capsule  short-cylindrical,  inclined;  mature  in  spring. 

Operculwn  short-beaked. 

Range,  Nova  Scotia  to  Ontario,  south  to  North  Carolina; 
Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 

Hylocomium  brevirostre  (Ehrh.)  Bryol.  Eur.  {Hyp- 
num  brevirostre  Ehrh.)  is  less  frequently  found  than  the 
two  preceding  species  and  is  confined  to  the  cool  ra- 
vines of  mountainous  regions.  The  stems  are  more 
robust  than  in  H.  umhratum  and  the  leaves  larger  and 
wider-spreading,  giving  the  plants  a  coarser  appear- 
ance. In  general  growth  H.  brevirostre  more  closely 
resembles  Rhytidiadelphus  squarrosus  (p.  224),  but 
the  latter  is  found  more  often  on  the  ground  in  swamps, 
and  has  wider-spreading  leaves.  H.  brevirostre  may  be 
distinguished  from  Rhytidiadelphus  triquetrus  (p.  223), 
which  also  occurs  on  rocks,  by  the  less  shaggy  ap- 
pearance, the  less  robust  stems,  and  the  smaller,  less 
spreading  leaves.  R.  triquetrus  is  much  more  com- 
mon. 


HYPNACEAE 


229 


69.     HYPNUM     Dill.     (Hyp-num) 


A  genus  containing  but  one  species.  Name  derived 
from  the  Greek  for  "  moss  "  or  some  cr^^ptogamic 
plant. 

Plants  growing  loosely  together,  usually  on  the  ground  in 
woods,  more  rarely  on  earth-covered  rocks  and  decaying 
logs,  or  at  the  base  of  trees;  yellowish- 
green  ;  glossy ;  common  ;  fruit  occa- 
sional. 

Stems  ascending  or  erect,  rigid; 
usually  4-5  inches  long;  usually  red; 
somewhat  distantly  pinnatcly  branched. 

Leaves  straight;  easily  seen  when 
moist  and  spreading;  when  dry,  more 
erect  and  folded ;  yellowish- green; 
glossy. 

Seta  1-1  j4  inches  long;  reddish. 

Capsule  short-cylindrical,  inclined; 
mature  in  spring. 

Opercuhwi  cone-shaped. 

Range,  Arctic  America,  Canada, 
and    the    northern    United   States ; 

Europe;  Asia.  Ilypnum  SchrebeH 


Hypnum  Schreberi  Willd.  is  one  of  the  commonest 

mosses  of  dry,  open  ivoods.  The  distinguishing  charac- 
teristics are  the  bright-red  stems,  icith  the  pinnate 
branches  somewhat  separated,  and  straight,  glossy  leaves. 
The  plants  sometimes  grow  quite  extensively.  If  the 
sterile  patches  arc  examined  carefully,  an  occasional 


230        HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

fruited  specimen  can  be  found,  but  the  fruit  is  not 
often  found  abundant.  See  Camptothecium  (p.  243), 
Thuidium  ahietinum  (p.  203),  and  Helodium  (p.  205). 


70.     PTILIUM     (Sull.)     DeNot.     (Pti-li-um) 

A  genus  containing  only  one  species.  Name  derived 
from  the  Greek  for  ''  feather,"  referring  to  the  appear- 
ance of  the  plants. 

Plants  usually  growing  in  loose  mats  on  the  ground,  on 
decaying  logs,  on  earth-covered  rocks,  or  at  the  base  of  trees 
in  mountainous  or  hilly  woods;  plume- 
like; light  green  or  yellowish-green; 
fairly  common;  fruit  occasional. 

Stems  ascending  or  erect,  sometimes 
reaching  5  inches  in  length;  regularly 
and  closely  pinnately  branched;  branches 
nearly  equal  in  length  except  at  the  end 
of  the  stems,  where  they  gradually 
shorten. 

Leaves  strongly  curved ^  small  and  fine, 
but  large  enough  to  be  seen  when  plants 
are  held  to  the  light;  not  much  changed 
when  dry;  light  or  yellowish-green. 

Seta  1-1/4  inches  long;  yellowish- 
or  reddish-brown. 

Capsule    long-cylindrical,   inclined; 
yellowish-  or  reddish-brown;  mature 
in  autumn. 
Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Range,  Arctic  America,  Canada,  and  the  northern  United 
States,  south  in  the  East  to  North  Carolina;  Europe;  Asia. 


Ptilium  crista-castrensis 
Branch  enlarged. 


HYPNACEAE  231 

Ptilium  crista-castrensis  (L.)  De  Not.  (Ilypnum 
crista-castrensis  L.)  is  readily  distinguished  by  its 
plume-like  character,  due  to  the  regularly  and  closely 
pinnate  branching  extending  to  the  tip  of  the  stem,  and 
the  strongly  curved  and  crowded  leaves.  The  plants  are 
often  found  mixed  with  other  mosses,  but  are  always 
striking  and  conspicuous.  The  poorer  growth  may 
somewhat  resemble  Stereodon  imponens  (p.  233). 
Stereodon  usually  grows  more  prostrate,  and  the 
branches  are  shorter,  more  irregularly  and  unequally 
pinnate.  See  Stereodon  curvif alius  (p.  234). 


71.     STEREODON     (Brid.)     Mitt.     (Ste-re-o-don) 

A  very  large  genus,  confined  chiefly  to  temperate 
regions;  a  few  species  occurring  commonly  in  our  range. 
Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for  ''  firm  "  or  ''  stiff,'* 
and  "  tooth,"  referring  to  the  structure  of  the  peris- 
tome. 

a.  Leaves  curved,  spreading,  in  most  species  turned  in 
two  opposite  directions,  and  apparently  in  two  rows, 
giving  a  flattened,  braided  appearance  along  the  stem 
and  branches,  turned  in  one  direction  in  5.  arcuatus; 
usually  large  enough  to  be  seen  .... 

S.  rcptilis.  S.  cnpressiformis. 

S.  imponens.      S.  recurvans. 

S.  curvifolius.     S.  arcuatus. 
h.  Leaves  straight,  erect,  arranged  equally  around  stem 
and  branches,  easily  seen  ....  5*.  Haldanianus. 


^32         HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


Plants  growing  in  mats  on  the  ground,  on  rocks,  on  trees, 
and  on  decaying  wood;  light,  dark  or  yellowish-green; 
sometimes  glossy;  fruit  common  in  some  species. 

Stems  usually  prostrate  or  creeping;  ascending  in  S. 
arcuatus;  pinnately  or  irregularly  branched;  branches  lying 
flat  on  opposite  sides  of  stem;  not  cylindrical. 

Leaves  curved,  crow^ded ;  usually  large  enough  to  be  seen 
except  in  S.  reptilis;  in  most  species  turned  in  two  opposite 
directions,  apparently  in  two  rows,  giving  a  flattened, 
braided  appearance  along  the  stem  and  branches;  in  S. 
arcuatus  turned  in  one  direction;  light,  dark  or  yellowish- 
green;  sometimes  glossy. 

Seta  /^-ij^  inches  long;  reddish-brown. 

Capsule  long-cylindrical,  except  in  S.  curvifolius  and  S. 
recurvans,  inclined  or  nearly  straight;  mature  in  summer  or 
autumn. 

Operculum  cone-shaped  or  short-beaked. 

The  distinguishing  characteristic  of  the  mosses  of 
this  group,  with  the  exception  of  S.  arcuatus,  is  the  way 
the  lea'ues  seem  to  part  and  curl  in  opposite  directions,  as 
though  growing  in  only  two  rows,  giving  a  braided  ap- 
pearance along  the  stem  and  branches,  which  is  very  dif- 
ferent from  mosses  with  straight  leaves  arranged 
equally,  and  with  cylindrical  branches.  This  generic 
characteristic  can  usually  be  seen  readily,  but  it  is  not 
so  easy  to  separate  the  species. 

In  5.  arcuatus  the  leaves  are  curved  and  turned  to 
one  side. 


HYPNACEAE  233 

Stereodon  reptilis  (Rich.)  Mitt.  (Hypnum  reptile 
Michx.)  is  the  commonest  small  species.  The  leaves 
are  sometimes  large  enough  to  be  seen  when  the  plants 
are  held  to  the  light,  and  the 
curling  of  the  leaf-tips  can  usu- 
ally be  made  out.  The  leaves 
are  spreading  and  give  the 
branches  a  flattened,  rather 
than  a  cylindrical,  appearance.  ^''''''^'''  ''^^"■^" 

rr.,         ,       ^  r  1  .  Portion  of  branch  enlarged. 

The  plants  are  found  on  stones, 

at  the  base  of  trees,  and  on  decaying  logs.  They  are 
rather  dark  green,  and  are  usually  fruiting,  often  abun- 
dantly. The  stems  are  more  or  less  pinnately  or  irregu- 
larly branched,  closely  interwoven.  Some  shoots  that 
run  out  from  the  general  matted  growth  often  are 
regularly  pinnate.  Small  forms  resemble  HomomaUiiim 
(p.  210),  but  Stereodon  reptilis  is  much  more  frequent 
and  grows  in  larger  mats,  more  often  fruiting  than 
Homomallium.  When  the  curved  tips  of  the  leaves 
can  be  seen  in  Stereodon,  the  branches  do  not  look 
smoothly  cylindrical,  as  in  Homomallium. 

Range,  Canada  south  to  North  Carolina  and  Utah; 
Europe;  Asia. 

Stereodon  imponens  (Hedw.)  Brid.  {Ilypnum  im- 
ponens  Hedw.)  is  a  common  species,  larger  than  S. 
reptilis,  growing  in  loose  mats  on  earth,  rocks,  decaying 
logs,  and  at  the  base  of  trees,  in  moist  woods.  The 
leaves  are  yellowish-green.   The  fruit  is  not  common. 


234 


HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


The  stems  are  usually  irregular  in  branching;  when 
pinnate,  the  branching  does  not  continue  to  the  ends  of 

the  stems,  as  in  Pti- 
lium  {p.2^o).  For  com- 
parison see  under  that 
genus.  S.  imponens 
resembles  Ctenidium 
in  color  and  general 
growth,  but  the  plants 
lack  the  soft,  feathery 
appearance  character- 
See  p.  222;  also  the  next  species. 


Siereodon  imponens 
Portion  of  branch  enlarged 

istic  of  Ctenidium. 


Stereodon  curvifolius  (Hedw.)  Brid.  (Hypnum 
curmfolimn  Hedw.)  is  the  most  robust  species.  It  oc- 
curs chiefly  on  decaying  logs  in  moist  woods,  growing 
in  loose  mats.  The  leaves  are  light  or  yellowish-green. 
The  fruit  is  occasionally  found.  The  capsules  are  large, 
short-cylindrical,  and  curved.  The  stems  are  usually 
quite  regularly  pinnate,  with  rather  stout  branches, 
and  the  leaves  distinctly  show  the  parting  and  curling 
so  characteristic  of  this  group.  The  plants  are  larger 
than  S.  imponens,  with  thicker,  more  regularly  pinnate 
branches,  more  closely  resembling  the  flatter  forms  of 
Ptilium  (p.  230),  but  in  Stereodon  the  stems  are  more 
prostrate  and  the  branches  less  crowded. 

Range,  Arctic  America  and  Canada,  south  to  Florida  and 
Colorado;  Asia. 


HYPNACEAE  235 

Stereodon  cupressiformis  (L.)  Brid.  {Ilypnum 
cupressiforme  L.)  has  many  varieties,  and  the  t>'pical 
form  is  not  often  collected  in  our  range.  The  plants 
grow  on  rocks,  roots,  and  at  the  base  of  trees  in  moist 
woods,  forming  thickly  interwoven  mats;  rarely  fruit- 
ing. The  leaves  are  dull  yellowish-  or  brownish-green. 
The  plants  are  not  so  robust  as  in  S.  curmfolius ,  and 
the  stems  are  more  matted  together  and  more  irregu- 
larly branched  than  in  either  S.  imponens  or  5*.  cur- 
vifolius.  The  distinguishing  leaf-character  of  the  group 
is  usually  noticeable. 

The  var.  filiformis  Brid.  is  a  very  slender  form  occa- 
sionally found  at  the  base  of  trees.  The  stems  are 
pendant  and  the  branches  long,  straight,  parallel,  and 
very  slender,  giving  the  matted  plants  a  smooth  ap- 
pearance as  if  water  had  run  over  them,  turning  the 
branches  in  one  direction. 

Range,  Arctic  America,  Canada,  south  to  the  Gulf  States; 
a  cosmopolitan. 

Stereodon  recurvans  (Schwaegr.)  Broth.  (Hypnum 
recurvans  Beauv.,  Scniatophyllum  recurvans  (Michx.) 
E.  G.  B.)  is  frequently  found  in  mountainous  and 
hilly  woods,  growing  at  the  base  of  trees,  on  decay- 
ing logs,  and  on  the  ground,  in  flat,  densely  inter- 
woven mats.  It  is  bright  yellowish- green  and  more  glossy 
than  other  species  of  this  group,  so7nrd'hat  smaller 
than  any  except  5.  reptilis,  and  fruits  more  abun- 
dantly.   The  stems  are  closely  interwoven,  irregularly 


236         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

branched,  and  the  branches  rather  short  but  stout. 
The  leaves  are  shining  yellowish-green,  and  show  the 
characteristic  curving  in  two  opposite  directions. 
Sometimes  the  matted  plants  are  quite  thickly  covered 
with  the  reddish-brown  fruit.  The  seta  is  about  Y^  inch 
long,  and  the  capsule  is  short-cylindrical. 

Range,  Newfoundland  to  Manitoba,  south  to  North  Car- 
olina and  Missouri;  Mexico. 

Stereodon  arcuatus  Lindb.  (5.  Lindhergii  (Mitt.) 
Warnst.,  HypnumPatientiae  Lindh.)  is  found  in  moist 
woods,  swamps,  and  meadows, 
often  growing  in  the  grass,  in 
light-  or  yellowish-green  tufts. 
The  plants  are  more  erect  than 
other  mosses  of  this  group,  the 
stems  are  less  branched,  and 
more  ascending,  and  the  leaves 
are  larger  and  turned  to  one  side, 
instead  of  in  two  opposite  di- 
stereodon  arcuatus  rcctions.    A  rare  variety  more 

Branch  enlarged.  or  Icss  pinnate  grows  ou  rocks. 


Range,    Arctic    America,   Canada,    and    the    northern 
United  States,  south  in  the  East  to  Florida;  Europe; 

Asia. 


See  Drepanocladus  uncinatus  (p.  214)  for  comparison 
with  that  species. 


HYPNACEAE 


237 


Plants  growing  in  rather  loose  mats  on  the  ground, 
on  rocks,  and  on  decaying  wood;  yellowish-green  to 
dark    green ;    common ;    fruit    sometimes   abundant. 

Stans  prostrate,  irreg- 
ularly branched;  rarely 
some  shoots  are  pin- 
nate; branches  unequal  in 
length  and  quite  straight. 

Leaves  straight,  erect- 
spreading,  not  much 
changed  when  dry;  yel- 
lowish-green to  dark 
green. 

Seta  1-2  inches  long; 
reddish-brown. 

Capsule  long-cylindrical,  slender,  only  slightly  curved 
and  inclined;  mature  in  autumn. 

Operculum  short-beaked. 

Range,  Nova  Scotia  to  Montana,  south  to  Alabama  and 
Missouri;  Europe;  Asia. 


Stereodon  U aldanianus 
Branch  enlarged. 


Stereodon  Haldanianus  (Grev.)  Lindb.  (11  yp- 
nmn  Haldanianum  Grev.)  is  one  of  the  commonest  of 
the  pleurocarpous  mosses.  It  is  the  only  species  of 
Stereodon  with  straight,  erect-spreading  leaves.  It  so 
closely  resembles  certain  species  of  Brackythccium 
(p.  244)  that  it  cannot  be  distinguished  except  when 
fruited;  then,  the  long  capsule  is  the  distinguishing 
characteristic  in  contrast  with  the  short  capsule  of 
Brachythecium. 


238         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


72.     ISOPTERYGIUM     Mitt.     (I-sop-te-ry-gi-um) 

A  very  large  genus  widely  distributed.  A  few  of  the 
most  frequent  species  are  given  below.  Name  derived 
from  the  Greek  for  "  equal  "  and  a  '*  little  wing," 
probably  referring  to  the  leaves  lying  flat  on  either  side 
of  the  stem. 

Plants  small,  growing  in  thin,  flat  mats  on  rocks,  soil,  and 
decaying  wood,  usually  in  mountainous  or  hilly  woods; 
light  or  yellowish-green;  often  glossy;  not  common;  fruit 
rare  except  in  /.  turfaceum. 

Stems  prostrate,  irregularly  branched,  branches  flattened. 
Leaves  straight;  large  enough  to  be  seen,  except  some- 
times in  /.  micans;  rather  separated, 
wide-spreading;  flattened  on  either  side 
of  the  stem,  apparently  in  two  rows; 
light  or  yellowish -green;  sometimes 
glossy. 

Seta  up  to  I  inch  long;  reddish- 
brown. 

Isopterygium  turfaceum         CapsuU  long-cylindrical,  inclined, 
Portion  of  branch         curved;    reddish-brown ;    mature    in 

enlarged.  ' 

summer. 
Operculum  cone-shaped  or  short-beaked. 
Range,  Canada,  and  south  in  the  East  to  the  Southern 
States;  Europe. 

The  distinguishing  characteristic  of  Isopterygium  is 
the  flattened  appearance  of  the  plants  due  to  the  wide- 
spread leaves  lying  flat,  apparently  in  two  rows  on  oppo- 
site sides  of  the  stem.  This  flattened  appearance  is  also 


HYPNACEAE  239 

characteristic  of  PlagiotJtecium,  the  following  genus, 
Brachylliecium  Starkcl  (p.  248),  and  Rhynchoslegium 
(p.  256),  but  I  so  pterygium  occurs  less  frequently  than 
any  of  these,  —  some  species  being  found  only  in  moun- 
tainous regions,  —  and  the  plants  are  smaller. 

Isopterygium  turfaceum  Lindb.  {Plagiothecium  tiir- 
Jaceum  Lindb.)  appears  to  be  the  species  most  com- 
monly collected  in  our  range.  It  grows  on  moist,  rich 
soil  or  on  decaying  wood,  sometimes  in  peat-bogs. 
The  plants  are  usually  yellowish-green  and  often  well 
fruited. 

Isopterygium  elegans  (Hook.)  Lindb.  {PlagiotJte- 
cium elegans  (Hook.)  Sull.)  occurs  on  the  ground  or  on 
rocks  in  moist  woods.  The  plants  rarely  fruit;  the 
branches  usually  point  one  way;  and  the  leaves  are 
especially  glossy,  and  quite  a  bright  green. 

Isopterygium  MuUerianum  (Schimp.)  Lindb.  {Plag- 
iothecium Milllerianum  Schimp.)  is  found  on  moist 
rocks  and  soil  in  mountainous  regions,  rarely  fruited. 
It  grows  in  rather  small  tufts,  and  the  branches  are 
often  long,  slender,  and  frequently  taper  at  the  ends. 

Isopterygium micans  (Sw.)  Broth.  {Hypnummicans 
Sw.)  is  a  very  small  species  occurring  from  New  York 
southward.  The  leaves  are  very  small  and  slender,  but 
the  branches  still  have  a  flattened  look. 


240 


HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


73.     PLAGIOTHECIUM    Bryol.  Eur. 
(Pla-gi-o-the-ci-um) 

A  genus  of  many  species,  only  three  of  which  are 
given  below.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for 
"  oblique  "  and  a  "  little  vessel,"  referring  to  the 
capsule. 

a.  Leaves  flattened,  apparently  in  two  opposite  rows 

....  P.  denticulatum, 
P.  sylvaticum. 
h.  Leaves  wide-spreading,  equally  arranged  around  stem 

....  P.  striatellum. 


Plants  growing  in  flattened  mats  on  earth,  rocks,  and  de- 
caying logs  in  woods;  light  or  yellowish-green;  often  glossy; 

very  common;  fruit  frequent. 
Stems  prostrate^  irregularly 
branched;  branches  flattened, 
broad. 

Leaves  straight,  large,  wide- 
spreading,    flattened,    appar- 
ently in   two  opposite   rows; 
light  or  yellowish-green;  often 
somewhat  glossy. 
Seta,  i-i/^  inches  long;  reddish-brown. 
Capsule  long-cylindrical,  inclined,  curved;  mature  in 
summer. 

Operculum  cone-shaped  or  short-beaked. 
Range,  almost  cosmopolitan  in  temperate  and  cooler 
regions. 


Plagiothecium  denticidatum 
Portion  of  branch  enlarged. 


HYPNACEAE  241 

Plagiothecium  denticulatum  (L.)  Bryol.  Eur.  and 
Plagiothecium  sylvaticum  (Huds.)  Bry^ol.  Eur.  very 
closely  resemble  each  other.  P,  denticulatum  is  proba- 
bly more  frequently  collected.  The  plants  arc  much 
larger  than  most  of  the  species  of  Isopicrygium,  the 
preceding  genus.  The  leaves  are  usually  glossy.  P. 
sylvaticum  has  been  described  as  less  glossy  than  P. 
denticulatum y  but  this  characteristic  alone  is  not  sufli- 
cient  for  field  identification.  The  moss  that  most 
closely  resembles  these  two  Plagiotheciums  is  Rhyn- 
chostegium  serrulatum  (p.  256).  The  leaves  of  that 
species  are  less  glossy,  but  the  only  satisfactory  field- 
mark  is  the  beak  of  the  operculum.  In  Rhynchostegimn 
it  is  noticeably  long,  slender,  and  curved,  while  in 
Plagiothecium  it  is  shorter,  and  often  the  operculum  is 
only  cone-shaped.  BrachytheciumStarkei(p.  248)  has  a 
flattened  appearance,  but  this  is  not  so  conspicuous  as 
in  Plagiothecium,  as  the  leaves  of  the  former  are  smaller 
and  narrower.  Fruited  specimens  can  be  easily  dis- 
tinguished, as  the  capsule  of  Brachythecium  is  short 
and  stout  and  that  of  Plagiothecium  is  long  and  slender. 


Plants  small,  growing  in  close  mats  on  the  ground,  on 
rocks  (but  not  on  limestone),  and  on  decaying  logs  in  moist 
woods;  rather  dark  green  or  yellowish-green;  common  in 
swamps;  fruit  frequent,  often  abundant. 

Stems  prostrate,  irregularly  branched;  branches  short, 
about  %  of  an  inch  long;  erect,  crowded. 


242         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

Leaves  small,  but  easily  seen,  spreading,  equally  arranged 
around  stem;  dark  or  yellowish-green. 

^  Seta  %-yi  inch  long;  reddish-brown. 

^  Capsule  long-cylindrical,  inclined;  red- 

/  dish-brown;  mature  in  summer. 

I|  -    .         Range,  Greenland  and  Newfoundland 
^m%MdJ^     ^^  Minnesota,  south  to  North  Carolina; 
^"^^  Alaska;  Europe. 

Plagiothecium 

striatdium  Piagiothecium    striatellum    (Brid.) 

Lindb.  {Plagiothecium  MUhlenbeckii  Bryol.  Eur.)  is 
usually  found  on  decaying  logs  in  swamps.  The  dis- 
tinguishing characteristics  are  the  short,  crowded,  erect 
branches  and  the  spreading  leaves  arranged  equally 
around  the  stems  and  branches.  See  Eurhynchium 
(p.  252)  and  Brachythecium  velutinum  (p.  248). 


Family  BRACHYTIIECIACEAE 

A  VERY  large  cosmopolitan  family,  found  in  various 
places. 


74.     CAMPTOTHECIUM     BryoL 
(Camp-to- the-ci-um) 


Eur. 


A  genus  containing  several  species,  but  one  occurring 
in  our  range.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for 
"  bent  "  and  a  "  little  vessel,"  refer- 
ring to  the  curved  capsule. 

Plants  growing  in  swamps  and  wet 
meadows;  yellowish- green;  shining;  not 
common;  fruit  rare. 

Stems  erect,  thickly  covered  with  brown 
radicles;  more  or  less  regularly  pinnate; 
branches  rather  separated. 

Leaves  straight,  long  and  fiarrow,  erect, 
crowded;  yellowish-green;  shining. 

Seta  reddish-brown. 

Capsule  long-cylindrical,  inclined ;  red- 
dish-brown;  mature  in  early  summer. 

Operculum  short-beaked. 

Range,  Arctic  America,  Canada,  and 
northern  United  States;  Europe;  Asia.       Campiothcdum  niuns 

Camptothecium  nitens  (Schreb.)  Schimp.  is  occa- 
sionally found  in  cool  northern  swamps.  The  distin- 
guishing  characteristics   are   the   erect   stems   thickly 


244         HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

coated  with  dark-brown  radicles  and  the  shining,  yellow- 
ish-green leaves.  Hypnum  Schreheri  (p.  229)  also  has 
erect  stems  more  or  less  pinnateiy  brancned,  but  it 
grows  in  drier  locations  and  the  stems  lack  the  coating 
of  radicles. 

75.     BRACHYTHECIUM     Bryol.  Eur. 
(B  ra-chy- the-ci-um) 

A  genus  containing  a  great  many  species,  several  of 
which  frequently  occur  in  our  range.  Name  derived 
from  the  Greek  for  ''  short  "  and  a  "  little  vessel/' 
referring  to  the  short  capsule. 

Plants  growing  in  loose  or  dense  mats  on  earth,  rocks, 
trees,  decaying  wood,  and  in  streams;  light,  dark,  or  yel- 
lowish-green ;     com- 
mon; fruit  frequent. 
Stems  prostrate,  ir- 
regularly   branched ; 
branches     prostrate, 
ascending  or  erect. 
Leaves  straight;  large 

„     ,    ,    .        , ,  enough   to   be   seen, 

Brachytheaum  sdebrosum  •     -n,       r, 

except  m  B.  reflexum; 

usually  erect  or  erect-spreading ;  more  closely  folded  when 

dry;  in  B.  Starkei,  wide-spreading  both  when  moist  and 

when  dry;  light  to  dark  green;  sometimes  slightly  glossy. 

Seta  usually  nearly  i  inch  long;  red  or  reddish-brown. 

Capsule  cylindrical,  usually  short  and  stout,  inclined; 
straight  in  B.  acuminatum;  reddish-brown;  mature  in 
autumn  or  winter. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 


BRACHYTHECIACEAE  745 

The  general  characteristics  of  Brachytltecium,  which 
hold  for  most  species,  are  the  prostrate  stems,  irregu- 
larly branched,  leaves  straight,  equally  arranged  around 
the  stem  and  branch-es,  erect  or  erect-spreading,  and  the 
usually  short,  thick  capsule.  The  capsule  in  some 
species  is  more  slender  than  in  others,  but  never  so  long 
and  slender  as  in  Slereodon  Haldanianus  (p.  237). 
Some  of  the  common  species  of  Brachylhecium  {B. 
salehrosum  and  others)  so  closely  resemble  Slereodon 
Haldanianus  in  growth  and  leaf -character  that  they 
cannot  be  distinguished  except  when  fruited. 

The  following  table,  giving  usual  habitats,  may  be 
helpful  in  looking  up  different  species :  — 

Plants  growing  on  moist  ground  .... 

B.  salehrosum.  B.  Starkei. 

B.  oxycladon.  B.  vclutinum. 

B.  rutabulum.  B.  acuminatum. 

B.  rivulare  on  moist  banks  by  streams. 

Plants  growing  on  rocks  in  beds  of  streams  .... 

B.  rivulare.  B.  plumosum. 

Plants  growing  on  rocks  not  in  streams  .... 

B.  salehrosum.  B.  Starkei. 

B.  oxycladon.  B.  rcflcxum. 

B.  rutahulum.  B.  vclutinum. 

B.  populcum.  B.  acuminatum. 

Plants  growing  on  roots  or  trunks  of  trees  .... 

B.  salehrosum.  B.  populcum. 

B.  oxycladon.  B.  vclutinum. 

B.  rutahulum.  B.  acuminatum. 


246         HOW  TO   KNOW  THE   MOSSES 

Plants  growing  on  decaying  logs  or  old  stumps  .... 
B.  salebrosum.  B.  Starkei. 

B.  rutabulum.  B.  reflexum. 

B.  acuminatum. 

Brachythecium  salebrosum  (Hoffm.)  Bryol.  Eur.  is 
one  of  the  commonest  species,  and  is  found  on  earth, 
rocks,  trees,  and  decaying  logs.  It  is  usually  bright  or 
yellowish-green;  somewhat  glossy. 

Range  J  Canada  and  the  Northern  and  Eastern  States; 
Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 

Brachythecium  oxycladon  (Brid.)  Jaeg.  {B.  laetum 
(Brid.)  Bryol.  Eur.)  is  closely  related  to  B.  salebrosum. 
Some  specimens  have  longer,  more  tapering  branches, 
and  a  capsule  slightly  more  slender  and  more  erect.  It 
grows  on  earth,  rocks,  and  roots  of  trees,  but  is  less 
frequent  on  decaying  logs.  The  leaves  are  quite  a 
bright  green. 

Range,  Newfoundland  to  Florida,  west  to  the  Rocky 
Mountains;  Europe. 

Brachythecium  rutabulum  (L.)  Bryol.  Eur.  is  a  more 
robust  species  with  thicker  branches,  larger  leaves,  and 
stouter  capsule.  It  grows  more  commonly  on  the 
ground  and  on  stones  in  wet  places,  less  frequently  on 
trees  and  old  logs.  It  is  usually  yellowish-green  and 
quite  glossy. 

Range,  Newfoundland  to  Michigan  and  south  to  Mary- 
land and  Missouri;  Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 


BRACHYTHECIACEAE 


247 


Brachythecium  populeum  (Hedw.)  Bryol.  Eur.  re- 
sembles B.  salchrosum  in  general  appearance,  but  is 
often  smaller  and  darker.  It  grows  chiefly  on  rocks, 
less  frequently  on  roots  or  trunks  of  trees.  The  leaves 
are  a  rather  dark  green. 

Range,  Nova  Scotia  to  Ontario,  south  to  North  Carolina; 
British  Columbia;  Europe;  Africa. 

Brachythecium  plumosum  (Sw.)  Bryol.  Eur.  is  found 
chiefly  on  rocks  in  brooks,  growing  in  thick,  rather 
dark-green  mats,  with  shorter  branches  than  the  fol- 
lowing species.  See  Hygrohypnum  (p.  218)  and 
Bryhnia  (p.  254). 

Range,  Newfoundland  to  British  Columbia,  south  in  the 
East  to  Alabama;  Europe;  Asia;  Hawaiian  Islands. 

Brachythecium  rivulare  Bryol.  Eur.  grows  on  rocks 
in  brooks  and  streams  or  on  the 
ground  in  very  wet  places  that 
are  sometimes  submerged.  The 
stems  are  creeping  with  very 
long,  erect  secondary  stems  that 
are  often  branched,  and  the 
leaves  are  light  green  or  yellow- 
ish-green, somewhat  glossy.  See 
Hygrohypnum  (p.  218)  Bryhnia 

(p.  254)   and  preceding  species.  Brachythecium  rivulare 

Range,  northern  North  America,  south  to  North  Carolina 
and  Missouri;  Europe;  Asia. 


248        HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Brachythecium  Starkei  (Brid.)  Bryol.  Eur.  is  the 
species  with  wide-spreading,  rather  separated,  leaves, 
flattened  on  either  side  of  the  stem,  apparently  in  two 
rows.  The  plants  grow  on  the  ground,  on  rocks,  and  on 
decaying  wood ;  usually  forming  rather  thin  mats;  quite 
dark  green.  The  growth  is  similar  to  that  of  Plagiothe- 
cium  denticulatum  (p.  240)  and  Rhynchostegium  (p. 
256),  but  as  a  rule  the  leaves  are  narrower  and 
shorter,  giving  the  branches  a  more  slender  appear- 
ance, and  the  capsules  are  stouter  without  the  very 
long  beak  to  the  operculum  that  is  characteristic  of 
Rhynchostegium. 

Range,  Arctic  America,  Canada,  and  the  northern  United 
States;  Europe. 

Brachythecium  reflexum  (Stark.)  Bryol.  Eur.  is  a 
very  slender  species  with  leaves  closely  folded  and  too 
small  to  be  seen.  It  grows  chiefly  on  rocks  and  decay- 
ing logs,  more  rarely  at  the  base  of  trees  in  mountain- 
ous regions.  It  is  usually  a  rather  dark  green.  The 
stems  and  branches  are  very  slender  and  tapering, 
sometimes  slightly  curved  at  the  ends. 

Range,  Canada  and  south  to  Maryland  and  Missouri; 
Europe;  Asia. 

Brachythecium  velutinum  (L.)  Bryol.  Eur.  is  not 
often  collected.  It  grows  on  earth,  and  on  stones,  but 
most  frequently  at  the  base  of  trees.   The  plants  are 


BRACHYTHECIACEAE  249 

slender,  and  the  leaves  small  but  easily  seen,  as  they 
are  quite  wide-spreading  even  when  dry.  The  color 
is  usually  dark  green  or  olive-green.  The  branches 
are  numerous  and  short,  resembling  those  of  Plagio- 
tlwcium  striatcllum  (p.  242),  but  the  capsule  is  not  so 
slender  as  in  Plagiothecium.  See  also  Eurhynchium 
(p.  252). 

Range  J  Canada  and  the  northern  United  States;  Europe; 
Asia. 


Brachythecium  acuminatum  (Hedw.)  Kindb.  is  the 
one  species  with  an  erect  capsule.  It  is  rare  in  New 
England,  but  more  common  in  the  South.  It  grows  in 
close  mats  on  roots  of  trees,  rocks,  and  decaying  logs. 
The  general  growth  when  dry  is  much  like  Entodon 
seductrix  (p.  190),  but  it  is  much  less  frequent,  and  usu- 
ally the  branches  are  not  so  smoothly  cylindrical,  and 
the  general  color  is  not  so  golden-green,  although  some- 
what light  or  yellowish-green.  The  leaves  are  straight, 
closely  folded,  and  too  small  to  be  seen  easily  without  a 
lens. 

The  above  descriptions  are  not  given  with  the  expec- 
tation that  the  student  will  be  able  to  determine  spe- 
cies, except  possibly  B.  Starkei  and  B.  rcjlcxum  when 
fruited,  but  rather  to  show  the  variations  in  the  general 
generic  characteristics. 


250        HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 


76.     CIRRIPHYLLUM     Grout     (Cir-ri-phyl-lum) 

A  genus  containing  several  species.  One  is  fairly 
common  in  our  region.  Name  derived  from  the  Latin 
for  "  curly  hair,"  and  "  leaf,"  referring  to  the  curled 
tip  of  the  leaves. 

Plants  robust,  growing  in  loose  mats  on  the  ground  and 
on  earth-covered  rocks  in  open  woods,  or  in  thin  grass  in 
open  fields;  yellowish-  or  golden-green,  rarely  bright  green; 

glossy ;  common  in  some  lo- 
calities; fruit  rare. 

Stems  prostrate,  irregu- 
larly branched;  branches 
cylindrical,  with  a  swollen  ap- 
pearance due  to  the  very  con- 
cave leaves  loosely  folded. 
Leaves  straight,  large,  very 
^.   .  ,  „      „     ,,  concave;  hxodid,  With.  2i  short, 

Ctrnphyllum  Boscn  ,     i       . 

fine,  curled  tip;  closely  or 
loosely  folded;  yellow-  or  golden-green,  rarely  bright  green; 
glossy. 

5eto  about  ^  inch  long;  reddish-brown. 

Capsule  long-cylindrical,  inclined;  reddish-brown;  ma- 
ture in  autumn. 

Operculum  long-beaked. 

Range,  Vermont  to  Florida,  west  to  Colorado  and 
Arkansas. 

Cirriphyllum  Boscii  (Schwaegr.)  Grout  (Hypnum 
Boscii  Schwaegr.)  when  well  developed  is  conspicuous 
on  account  of  the  bright,  glossy  color  and  the  large 


BRACHYTIIECIACEAE 


251 


cylindrical  branches,  with  the  concave  leaves  distinctly 
showing,  although  folded  against  each  other.  Other 
mosses  with  cylindrical  branches  are  much  smaller 
and  the  leaves  are  not  clearly  seen  when  folded, 
while  those  mosses  with  equally  distinct  leaves  have 
more  slender  or  flatter  branches,  as  the  leaves  are 
not  spoon-shaped  or  concave  as  in  Cirriphylhim. 
The  curled  tip  of  the  leaves  can  be  seen  in  the  larger 
growths;  it  is  very  conspicuous  when  seen  with  a 
hand-lens. 


77.     OXYRHYNCHIUM     (Bryol.  Eur.)     Warnst. 
(Ox-y-rhyn-chi-um) 

A  genus  of  several  species;  the  common  one  given 
below.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek  for  ''  sharp," 
*'  well,"  and  *'  beak,"  referring  to 
the  long  beak  of  the  operculum. 

Plants  large,  growing  in  loose  mats 
on  stones  in  streams;  olive  or  dark 
green,  rarely  yellowish-green,  black 
below;  common;  fruit  quite  com- 
mon. 

Stems  prostrate;  often  leafless  in 
the  lower  part;  irregularly  branched; 
branches  ascending;  thick. 

Leaves  straight,  la^g^j  broad,  wide-spreading;  olive  or  dark 
green. 

Seta  Yz-Yx  inch  long;  reddish-brown. 

Capsule  short-cylindrical,  inclined;  mature  in  autumn. 


Oxyrhynchium  ruscijorme 


252        HOW  TO   KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

Operculum  long-beaked. 

Range,  Newfoundland  to  Ontario,  south  to  Georgia; 
Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 

Oxyrhynchium  rusciforme  (Neck.)  Warnst.  {Eu- 
rhynchium  rusciforme  (Neck.)  Milde,  Rhynchostegium 
rusciforme  Bryol.  Eur.)  is  a  robust  moss  common  on 
rocks  often  overflowed  in  beds  of  streams.  It  is  usually 
well  fruited,  which  helps  to  distinguish  it  from  the 
acrocarpous  moss,  Rhacomitrium  (p.  113),  which  it 
most  resembles  and  which  is  found  in  similar  places. 
Although  the  capsule  of  Rhacomitrium  sometimes  ap- 
pears lateral,  it  is  always  erect,  while  in  Oxyrhynchium 
it  is  inclined.  The  leaves  of  Rhacomitrium  are  not  so 
large  as  in  Oxyrhynchium,  and  fold  more  closely  when 
dry,  giving  the  branches  a  more  slender  appearance. 
Other  pleurocarpous  mosses  growing  in  brooks  have 
leaves  smaller  or  more  or  less  curved  and  turned  to  one 
side,  and  lack  the  stout  appearance  of  the  branches 
characteristic  of  Oxyrhynchium.  See  Hygroamblyste- 
gium  (p.  211),  Eygrohypnum  (p.  218),  Brachythecium 
(p.  244),  and  Bryhnia  (p.  254). 

78.    EURHYNCHIUM     Bryol.  Eur. 
(Eu-rhyn-chi-um) 

A  genus  containing  several  species,  one  of  which  is 
occasional  in  our  region.  Name  derived  from  the  Greek 
for  ''well  "  and  "  beak,"  referring  to  the  long  beak  of 
the  operculum. 


BRACHYTHECIACEAE  253 

Plants  growing  in  mats,  commonly  on  the  ground,  on 
decaying  logs  or  at  the  base  of  trees,  more  rarely  on  rocks; 
bright  green  or  somewhat  yellowish-green;  not  very  com- 
mon; sometimes  fruiting. 

Stems  prostrate,  irregularly  branched;  branches  short, 
usually  }{  or  }i  inch  long;  erect  or  ascending;  sometimes  in 
clusters. 

Leaves  small,  straight,  wide-spreading,  even  when  dry; 
usually  bright  green. 

Seta  /4-H  inch  long;  reddish-brown. 

Capsule  short-cylindrical,  inclined;  mature  in  autumn. 

Operculmn  long-beaked. 

Range,  Arctic  America,  Canada,  and  the  northern  United 
States;  Europe;  Asia;  Africa. 

Eurhynchium  strigosum  (Hoflm.)  Bryol.  Eur.  is  not 
commonly  found  in  our  range,  as  the  var.  robustum 
Roell  is  the  form  usually  col- 
lected. The  general  charac- 
ter of  the  growth,  prostrate 
stems,  with  nufnerous  short, 
erect  branches  and  small  wide- 
spreading   leaves,    somew^hat 

resembles   that   of   Plagiothe-  Eurhynchium  strigosum 

var.  robustum 

cium  striatelliim  (p.  242)  and 

Brachythecium  velutinum  (p.  248),  but  the  branches 
of  Eurhynchium  are  longer,  often  in  clusters,  and 
the  leaves  are  a  brighter  green.  If  the  specimens 
are  fruited  and  the  long  beak  of  the  operculum  of 
Eurhynchium  can  be  seen,  it  is  the  best  field-character. 
The  capsule  is  longer  as  a  rule  than  in  Brachythecium^ 


254         HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

but  about  the  same  size  as  in  Plagiothecium.  The 
other  small  moss  with  spreading  leaves  growing  in 
similar  places  is  Amhlystegium  serpens  (p.  208),  which 
is  much  more  delicate  and  forms  much  thinner 
mats. 

79.     BRYHNIA    Kaur.     (Bryhn-i-a) 

A  small  genus,  found  only  in  the  Northern  Hemi- 
sphere. One  species  is  commonly  found  in  our  range. 
Named  after  Dr.  Nils  Bryhn,  of  Norway 

Plants  growing  in  loose  mats  on  wet  ground  and  on 
stones,  often  in  beds  of  streams;  bright  or  dull  green;  not 

glossy;    common;    fruit   fre- 
quent. 

Stems  prostrate  or  ascend- 
ing; irregularly  branched; 
branches  often  ascending; 
ends  of  branches  sometimes 
curved,  especially  when  dry. 
Leaves  short,  straight,  erect- 
Bryhnia  novae-angliae  Spreading  when  moist;  more 

closely    folded    when    dry-, 
sometimes  too  small  to  be  seen  easily;  bright  or  dull  green; 
not  glossy. 
Seta  %-yi  inch  long;  dark  reddish-brown. 
Capsule  short-cylindrical,   stout;    dark  reddish-brown; 
mature  in  winter. 

Operculum  cone-shaped. 

Range,  Canada,  south  to  North  Carolina  and  Missouri; 
Europe;  Asia. 


BRACHYTHECIACEAE  255 

Bryhnia  novae-angliae  (Sull.  &  Lesq.)  Grout 
{BrachytJiccium  novae-angliae  (Sull.  &  Lesq.)  Jaeg.  & 
Saucrb.)  is  most  frequently  found  on  stones  in  beds  of 
brooks  or  in  wet,  shady  woods.  The  distinguishing 
characteristics  are  best  seen  in  dry  plants:  the  slight 
curl  of  the  ends  of  the  stems  and  branches,  and  the 
small  leaves  not  tightly  folded,  which  give  the  stems 
and  branches  rather  a  rough  appearance.  When  the 
plants  are  fruited,  the  short,  stout  capsule  distinguishes 
Bryhnia  from  other  mosses,  except  BrachytJiccium 
(p.  244), growing  in  similar  places.  Bracyhlhecium  rivu- 
lare  (p.  247)  and  Brachythecium  plumosum  (p.  247)  are 
also  found  in  brooks,  but  they  have  larger  leaves,  not 
folded  when  dry,  and  straighter  branches.  This  dis- 
tinction is  also  true  of  other  Brachytheciums  growing 
on  wet  ground.  Hygroaniblystegium  (p.  211)  also  has 
straighter  branches  without  the  numerous  lateral 
branches  found  in  Bryhnia.  Bryhnia  is  much  larger 
than  Amblystcgium  serpens  (p.  209),  and  the  leaves  are 
much  shorter  than  in  A.  riparium  (p.  209).  Bryhnia 
may  be  known  from  Stereodon  (p.  231)  by  the  less 
creeping  stems,  without  the  flattened  branches  or 
curved  leaves.  Stereodon  Haldanianus  (p.  237)  has 
straighter  branches  and  larger  leaves.  Oxyrhynchiiun 
(p.  251)  is  a  much  stouter  moss,  with  larger  leaves, 
darker  green  than  Bryhnia, 


256        HOW  TO  KNOW  THE  MOSSES 

80.     RHYNCHOSTEGIUM     Bryol.  Eur. 
(Rhyn-cho-ste-gi-um) 

A  genus  containing  a  great  many  species,  one  of 
which  occurs  in  our  range.  Name  derived  from  the 
Greek  for  "  beak  "  and  "  roofed  chamber,"  referring  to 
the  long  beak  of  the  operculum. 

Plants  growing  in  loose,  flattened  mats  on  the  ground,  on 
logs,  and  on  roots  of  trees  in  the  woods;  bright  or  yellowish- 
green  ;  quite  common ; 
fruit  frequent. 

Stems  prostrate,  ir- 
regularly   branched; 
branches     flattened; 
broad. 
Leaves  large,  straight y 

Rhynchoslegium  serriuatum  ,  ^  , .  _       , 

Wide-Spreading    both 

Portion  of  branch  enlarged.  . 

when  moist  and  when 
dry;  apparently  in  two  opposite  rows;  usually  yellowish- 
green;  slightly  glossy. 

Seta  about  i  inch  long;  reddish-brown. 

Capsule  long-cylindrical,  inclined,  curved;  mature  in 
autumn. 

Operculum  long-beaked. 

Range,  Newfoundland  to  Wisconsin,  south  to  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico;  Alaska;  British  Columbia. 

Rhynchostegium  serrulatum  (Hedw.)  Jaeg.  {Eu- 
rhynchium  serrulatum  (Hedw.)  Kindb.,  Hypnum  ser- 
rulatum Hedw.)  has  ih^  flattened  appearance  of  Plagio- 
thecium  (p.  240),  Isopterygium  (p.  238),  and  Br  achy- 


BRACHYTHECIACEAE  257 

thecium  Starkei  (p.  248),  with  the  leaves  wide-spreading 
and  lying  flat  on  either  side  of  tJie  stem,  apparently  in 
two  rows.  If  the  plants  are  fruited,  and  the  operculum 
has  not  fallen  off,  the  long  beak  of  the  operculum  is  the 
distinguishing  characteristic.  The  plants  are  larger 
than  Isopterygium,  and  appear  larger  than  Brachy- 
thecium  Starkei,  as  the  longer  leaves  make  the  branches 
look  broader,  but  they  so  closely  resemble  Plagiothe- 
cium  that  they  cannot  be  distinguished  in  the  field 
except  when  in  fruit,  and  before  the  operculum  has 
fallen  off.  The  capsule  is  more  slender  than  in  Brachy- 
thecium,  but  resembles  that  of  Plagiothecium  and 
Isopterygium. 


APPENDIX 


APPENDIX 

HELPS  TO  IDENTIFICATION  OF  THE  MOST 
COMMON  AND   CONSPICUOUS  MOSSES 

Note.  Only  the  conspicuous  characteristics  are  given  here.   These  may 
vary  at  different  seasons  of  the  year. 

A.  Fruit  at  the  apex  of  the  stem  or  of  a  well-developed 
branch,  sometimes  appearing  lateral  by  the  new  growth 
of  the  plant.  Stems  generally  erect,  and  often  not 
branched;  or,  if  slightly  branched  by  forking,  usually 
wath  not  more  than  two  or  three  branches.  ^  Acrocar- 
pous Mosses,  p.  77. 

B.  Fruit  on  the  side  of  the  stem  or  on  a  very  short  lateral 
branch.  Stems  prostrate  or  ascending,  rarely  erect, 
usually  much  branched  (with  more  than  two  or  three 
branches).^  Pleurocarpous  Mosses,  p.  172. 

A  (Acrocarpous  Mosses) 

Manner  of  growth 

Individual  plants  of  the  acrocarpous  mosses  can  nearly 
always  be  easily  separated,  as  the  stems  are  erect  and 
do  not  interweave.  In  some  cases  the  stems  are  matted 
together  below  with  a  felt-like  mass  of  radicles,  called 
tomentum. 
Stems  of  most  acrocarpous  mosses  are  erect,  and  often  not 
branched;  or  if  slightly  branched  by  forking,  usually  with 
not  more  than  two  or  three  branches.  ^ 

^  For  arrangement  of  branches  sec  Illustrations  of  Terms,  Plate  II. 


262  APPENDIX 

Stems  ascending  to  erect,  usually  much  branched  by  fork- 
ing; plants  growing  on  rock;  leaves  dark  or  olive-green, 
except  in  the  young  growth  at  the  tip  of  the  stem, 
which  is  lighter  ....  19. 

Stems  erect,  not  branched,  or  with  branches  whorled  at  tip  of 
stem;  plants  growing  on  wet  ground  or  on  rocks;  leaves 
usually  light  or  yellowish-green  ....  34. 

Looked  at  from  above,  has  the  outline  of  a  star  with  many 
rays,  or  looked  at  from  the  side,  resembles  tiny  spruce  or 
pine  trees;  stems  erect,  usually  not  branched;  leaves 
bright  green  or  grayish-green  to  dark  green;  plants 
growing  on  the  ground,  on  earth-covered  rocks,  old 
stumps  and  upturned  roots  ....  39,  41. 

Plants  growing  from  protonema,  a  green  or  brownish  coat- 
ing on  the  surface  of  the  soil  ....  37,  40. 

Color  of  stem 

Stems  of  most  mosses  are  either  covered  with  leaves,  and 

show  only  the  color  of  the  leaves,  or  are  brown  and 

inconspicuous. 

Stems  showing  red  through  the  leaves,  especially  in  the 

new  growth  when  moist  plants  are  held  to  the  light 

27,  28. 

Stems  at  least  in  the  lower  part  covered  with  tomentum,  a 
felt-like  mass  of  brown  or  whitish  radicles  .... 

8,  3o>  31,  33,  34,  41. 

Shape  of  leaves 

Leaves  too  small  or  too  closely  folded  to  be  seen  easily. 
Capsule  almost  concealed  by  surrounding  leaves 

19. 

Capsule  erect  ....  2,  22,  38,  40. 
Capsule  not  erect  ....  25,  28,  34. 


APPENDIX  263 

Leaves  conspicuously  long  and  narrow. 

Capsule  erect  ....  2,  6,  8,  23,  39,  40,  41. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  6,  8,  9,  31,  S3y  39,  4i. 
Leaves  conspicuously  short  and  broad. 

Capsule  erect  ....  10,  20,  24. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  10,  29,  30. 

Position  of  leaves 

Leaves  of  most  mosses  are  arranged  equally  around  the 

stem  and  branches  and  are  erect  or  spreading. 
Leaves  more  or  less  turned  to  one  side  (secund) 

6,  8. 

Leaves  m  two  rows  on  opposite  sides  of  stem,  giving 
the  plants  a  flattened  appearance  ....  10.     See  also 
hepatics  (p.  6). 
Leaves  forming  a  rosette  at  tip  of  stem  .  .  .  .  26,  29,  30, 

39,  41.   See  also  Sphagnum  (p.  73). 
Lesives  forming  a  cup  at  the  tip  of  the  stem  ....  38. 
Leaves  tindidate  or  wavy  ....  8,  39. 
Leaves  conspicuously  crisped  when  dry. 

Capsule  erect  ....  8,  10,  13,  15,  23,  39. 
Capsule  not  erect  ....  8,  10,  29,  30,  2>3y  39- 
Leaves  conspicuously  folded  straight  when  dry. 

Capsule  partly  concealed  by  surrounding  leaves 

19,  22. 

Capsule  erect  ....  2,  20,  22,  23,  38. 
Capsule  not  erect 4,  27,  28,  40,  41. 

Midrib 

The  midrib  when  present  is  usually  not  seen  without 

the  aid  of  a  lens. 
Midrib  seen  when  moist  plants  are  held  to  the  light 

29,  30,  39. 


264  APPENDIX 

Color  of  leaves 

The  color  of  the  leaves  of  most  mosses  varies  from  light 

or  yellowish-green  to  dark  green. 
Leaves  usually  conspicuously  light  or  yellowish-green 

24,  25,  31,  34. 

Leaves  glaucous  or  whitish  green  especially  when  dry 

....  9.  See  also  Sphagnum  (p.  73). 
Leaves  bluish-green  ....  3,  41. 
Leaves  usually  conspicuously  dark  or  olive-green  .... 

19,  20,  21,  22,  28,  36,  38. 
Leaves  sometimes  with  a  reddish  tinge  ....  39.  See  also 

Sphagnum  (p.  73). 

Color  of  seta 

The  seta  of  most  mosses  is  reddish-brown. 
Seta  yellowish  ....  i,  2,  6,  8,  24,  25,  30. 
Seta  dark  red  ....  4,  27,  41. 

Setae  clustered  ....  8,  29,  30,  39. 
Most  mosses  have  a  single  seta. 

Seta  very  short  or  apparently  absent,  so  that  the  capsule  is 
partially  concealed  by  surrounding  leaves 19,  22,  36. 

Position  of  capsule 

Capsule  erect 2,  6,  8, 10,  20,  22,  23,  24,  38,  39,  40,  41. 

Capsule  inclined  (between  erect  and  horizontal)  .... 
I,  2,  4,  6,  8,  9,  31,  33,  34,  39,  41. 

Capsule  horizontal  ....  27,  28,  29,  30,  35,  41. 

Capsule  hanging  down  ....  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30,  41. 
25  and  27  are  especially  conspicuous  in  the  spring 
and  early  summer  on  account  of  the  capsules  being 
thickly  crowded  together;  they  are  bright  green  at  first 
and  then  change  to  brown. 

Capsule  partly  concealed  by  leaves  ....  19,  22. 


APPENDIX  265 

Shape  of  operculum 

The  operculum  of  most  mosses  is  convex,  cone-shaped,  or 
short-beaked,  and  not  especially  conspicuous. 

Operculum  conspicuously  long-beaked  ....  i,  2, 6, 8, 39,  41. 
Calyptra  hairy  and  conspicuous  ....  22,  23,  40,  41. 

The  calyptra  of  most  mosses  is  smooth  and  inconspicu- 
ous, often  falling  off  long  before  the  capsule  is  mature. 

B  (Pleurocarpous  Mosses) 

Fruit  on  the  side  of  the  stem  or  on  a  very  short  lateral  branch. 
Stems  prostrate  or  ascending,  rarely  erect,  usually  much 
branched  (with  more  than  two  or  three  branches). 

Manner  of  growth 

Pleurocarpous  mosses  usually  grow  in  rather  flat  mats 
with  stems  and  branches  prostrate  or  creeping  and 
often  closely  interwoven,  so  that  no  great  length  of  stem 
can  be  easily  separated. 

Plants  with  stems  usually  ascending  or  erect  and  easily 
separated 45,  58,  62,  63,  67,  68,  69,  70,  71. 

Plants  tree-like  (with  erect  stems  and  erect  or  spreading 
branches  only  toward  the  tip  of  the  stem)  ....  45,  49. 

V\(mts  fern-like  (branches  bipinnate,  tripinnate,or  closely 
pinnate) 57,  68,  70. 

Plants  plume-like  (branches  closely  and  regularly  pin- 
nate) ....  70. 

Plants  with  long  stems  floating  in  streams  or  pojids 

43,  62. 

Color  of  stem 

Stems  of  most  mosses  are  either  covered  with  leaves,  and 
show  only  the  color  of  the  leaves,  or  are  brown  and 
inconspicuous. 


266  APPENDIX 

Stems  and  branches  showing  red  through  the  leaves  when 
moist  plants  are  held  to  the  light  ....  45,  68,  69, 

Position  and  shape  of  leaves 

The  leaves  of  most  of  the  pleurocarpous  mosses  are  more 
or  less  ovate  at  the  base  and  end  in  a  straight  or  curved 
tip,  but  they  are  often  too  small  or  too  closely  folded 
to  show  the  entire  outline.  They  are  erect  or  spreading 
and  usually  arranged  equally  around  the  stem  and 
branches,  sometimes  flattened  and  apparently  in  two 
rows. 

Leaves  straight  and  flattened  on  two  opposite  sides  of  the 
stem,  apparently  in  only  two  rows,  giving  the  plants  a 
pressed  appearance  ....  47,  48,  72,  73,  75,  80. 

Leaves  curved  and  turned  in  two  opposite  directions,  appar- 
ently in  only  two  rows,  giving  a  braided  appearance 
along  the  stems  and  branches  ....  71. 

Leaves  strongly  curved  and  more  or  less  turned  in  one 
direction  ....  62,  66,  70,  71. 

Color  of  leaves 

The  color  of  the  leaves  of  most  mosses  varies  from  light 

or  yellowish-green  to  dark  green. 
Leaves  usually  light,  yellowish-,  or  golden-green. 

Capsule  erect  ....  44,  47,  50,  52. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  58,  63,  67,  69,  70,  76. 
Leaves  usually  very  dark  or  olive-green. 

Capsule  almost  concealed  by  the  surrounding  leaves 

42. 

Capsule  erect 43,  55,  56. 

Capsule  not  erect  ....  77. 

Color  of  seta 

The  seta  of  the  pleurocarpous  mosses  is  nearly  always 
reddish-hrown. 


APPENDIX  267 

Position  of  capsule 

Capsules  of  most  genera  are  more  or  less  inclined. 

Capsule  erect 43,  44,  45.  46,  47,  48,  5°,  5i,  52,  53,  54- 

Capsule  partially  concealed  by  leaves  .  .  .  .  42,  43,  46,  47. 

Shape  of  operculum 
The  operculum  of  most  mosses  is  convex,  cone-shaped, 

or  short-beaked,  and  not  especially  conspicuous. 
Operculum  conspicuously  long-beaked  .... 

73,  76,  77,  78,  80. 


GLOSSARY 


GLOSSARY 

Acrocarpi.  Acrocarpous  mosses. 

Acrocarpous.  Having  the  fruit  at  the  tip  of  the  stem  or  of  a 

well-developed  branch.   (Plate  I,  Pigs,  i,  2,  3.) 
Barren.  Not  bearing  fruit. 
Bipinnate.    Twice  pinnate.    Having  the  pinnate  branches 

branched  again.   (Plate  II,  Fig.  3.) 
Calyptra.  The  thin  veil  or  hood  covering  the  operculum  or 

lid  of  the  capsule.   (Plate  IV,  Fig.  i.) 
Capsule.    The  small  sack  containing  the  spores,  often 

spoken  of  as  the  fruit.   (Plate  I,  Fig.  i ;  Plate  IV,  Fig.  i.) 
Cleft.  Cut  into  or  divided. 
Clustered.    Collected  into  a  bunch.    When  two  or  more 

setae  arise  from  the  same  perichaetium  they  are  de- 
scribed as  clustered. 
Costa.  Midrib  of  a  moss  leaf. 
Crisped.  Curled  up,  twisted  or  wTinkled. 
CucuUate.  Hood-shaped.   (Plate  IV,  Fig.  17.) 
Drooping.  Hanging  down. 
Erect.  Upright.   Leaves  are  described  as  erect  when  they 

are  nearly  parallel  to  the  stem. 
Exserted.  Projecting  beyond  some  other  part. 
Fertile.  Bearing  fruit. 
Flagella.   Very  fme  string-like  branchlets.    (See  Dicranum 

Jla(^cllare,  Plate  V,  Fig.  2a.) 
Forked.  Divided  at  the  tip.   (Plate  II,  Fig.  i.) 
Fruit.  Same  as  capsule,  the  sack  containing  the  spores. 
Fruited.  Bearing  fruit. 
Fruit-stalk.  The  seta  or  stem  of  the  fruit.   (Plate  I,  Fig.  i.) 


272  GLOSSARY 

Gemmae.    Small  bud-like  bodies  capable  of  reproducing 

the  plant. 
Glaucous.  Whitish,  covered  with  a  bloom. 
Habitat.  The  natural  locality  of  a  plant. 
Hair-like.  Without  perceptible  width. 
Inclined.  Between  erect  and  horizontal. 
Irregularly-branched.    Not  regularly  pinnate,  bipinnate, 

tripinnate,  or  tree-like.   (Plate  II,  Fig.  6.) 
Lamellae.  Thin  plates  of  tissue.   (Plate  VII,  Figs.  2b,  3.) 
Lateral.  Coming  from  the  side. 
Lobed.  Divided  into  broad  parts. 
Mature.  Ripe.   A  plant,  capsule,  or  fruit  is  described  as 

mature  when  the  spores  are  ready  to  be  dispersed  to 

develop  new  plants. 
Mitrate.    Like  a  beaked  cap,  symmetrical.    (Plate  IV, 

Fig.  18.) 
Mouth.  In  reference  to  the  capsule,  the  opening  under  the 

operculum. 
Neck.   In  reference  to  the  capsule,  the  lower  portion  just 

before  it  joins  the  seta. 
Obsolete.  Not  distinct,  rudimental. 
Operculum.  The  Hd  or  cap  of  the  capsule  that  covers  the 

peristome  and  that  becomes  separated  and  falls  off  when 

the  spores  are  mature.   (Plate  IV,  Fig.  i.) 
Perichaetium.  Special  leaves  or  bracts  enclosing  the  fertile 

flower  and  often  surrounding  the  base  of  the  seta. 
Peristome.  The  fringe  surrounding  the  mouth  of  the  cap- 
sule beneath  the  operculum.   (Plate  IV,  Fig.  2;  Plate  V, 

Fig.  6;  Plate  VI,  Fig.  2;  Plate  VII,  Fig.  4.) 
Pinnate.  With  branches  on  either  side  of  the  stem  in  two 

opposite  rows.  (Plate  II,  Fig.  2.) 
Pleurocarpi.  Pleurocarpous  mosses. 
Pleurocarpous.    Having  the  fruit  lateral  on  the  stem  or 

branch.   (Plate  I,  Figs.  4,  5.) 


GLOSSARY  273 

Primary.  In  reference  to  the  stem,  the  first  growth  that  is 

usually  prostrate,  with  more  or  less  erect  branches  called 

secondary  stems  that  are  usually  again  branched.  (Plate 

11,  Fig.  8.) 
Protonema.    The  first  growth  that  is  produced  from  the 

spore.   A  felted  mass  of  green  threads  that  sometimes 

forms  a  conspicuous  coating  on  the  surface  of  the  soil. 

(See  Pogonatum  brevicaule,  p.  161.) 
Pseudopodium.    Leafless  branch  resembling  a  fruit-stalk, 

often  producing  brood  bodies  or  gemmae  (see  Atdacom- 

niiim  palustre,  p.  141);  in  Sphagnum  taking  the  place  of 

the  seta,  p.  73. 
Radicles.  Rootlets  growing  on  the  stem. 
Regularly-branched.   With  branches  on  both  sides  of  the 

stem,  quite  evenly  arranged. 
Secondary.    In  reference  to  the  stem,  the  more  or  less 

ascending  or  erect  branches  that  arise  from  the  prostrate 

primary  stem.   (Plate  II,  Fig.  8.) 
Secund.  Turned  to  one  side.   (Plate  III,  Fig.  13.) 
Sessile.  Without  a  stem,  or  stalk. 

Seta.  The  stem  or  stalk  of  the  capsule.   (Plate  I,  Fig.  i.) 
Setae.  Plural  of  seta. 
Spore.  A  minute,  dust-like  body  produced  in  the  fruit  of 

the  lower  plants  and  taking  the  place  of  the  seed  of  the 

higher  plants. 
Spreading.  In  reference  to  leaves,  standing  more  or  less  at 

right  angles  to  the  stem.   (Plate  III,  Fig.  12.) 
Sterile.  Not  producing  fruit. 

Substratum.  The  substance  upon  which  a  plant  grows. 
Symmetrical.  Both  sides  alike. 
Teeth.  The  outer  divisions  of  the  peristome.    (Plate  IV, 

Fig.  2;  Plate  V,  Fig.  6;  Plate  VI,  Fig.  2.) 
Terminal.   In  reference  to  the  fruit  or  capsule,  coming  at 

the  end  of  the  stem  or  branch. 


274  GLOSSARY 


I 


Tomentum.  A  felted  mass  of  radicles  that  sometimes  cov- 
ers a  considerable  part  of  the  stem.  ^ 

Tripinnate.    Three  times  pinnate.    When  the  bipinnate  1 

branches  are  again  branched.   (Plate  II,  Fig.  4.) 

Undulate.  Waved  up  and  down,  same  as  wavy. 

Vegetative.  Growing  in  some  way  other  than  from  the 
spore. 

Wavy.  Same  as  undulate.  In  reference  to  leaves,  with  the 
surface  not  flat  and  smooth,  but  with  more  or  less  regular 
depressions.  (See  Dicranum  undulatwn,  p.  93,  and 
Catharinaea  uftdulata,  p.  157.) 

Whorled.  In  reference  to  branches,  arranged  in  a  circle 
about  the  stem.   (See  Fhilonotis,  p.  145.) 


INDEX 


INDEX 

Synonyms  are  italicized 

Acrocarpi 77 

Acrocladium     Mitt 217 

cuspidatum     (L.)  Lindb 218 

Alga 5 

Algae 5 

AmblystcgieUa  adnata     (Hedw.)  Nichols 210 

Amblystegium     Bryol.  Eur 208 

fiuitans    De  Not 215 

fluviatile    (Sw.)  Bryol.  Eur 212 

irriguum     (Wils.)  Bryol.  Eur 212 

riparium     (L.)  Bryol.  Eur 209 

serpens     (L.)  Bryol.  Eur 209 

varium     (Hedw.)  Lindb 209 

Andreaea     Ehrh 75 

petrophila 75 

Andreaeaceae 75 

Andreaeales 75 

Anomodon     Hook.  &  Tayl 198 

apiculatus    Bryol.  Eur 200 

attenuatus     (Schreb.)  Hiiben 200 

minor     (Palis.)  Fiirn 199 

ohtusijolius    Bryol.  Eur 199 

rostratus     (Hedw.)  Schimp 199 

AULACOMNIACEAE 139 

Aulacomnium     Schwaegr 139 

heterostichum     (Hedw.)  Bryol.  Eur 139 

palustre     (L.)  Schwaegr 141 

Barbula    Hedw 105 

caespitosa     Schwaegr 103 

convoluta     Hedw 105 

unguiculata     (Huds.)  Hedw 105 

Bartramia     Hedw 144 

Older i     (Gunn.)  Schwaegr 143 

pomiformis     (L.)  Hedw 144 


278  INDEX 

Bartramiaceae 143 

Bazzania 7 

Bird  Wheat 163 

Brachytheciaceae 243 

Brachythecium     Bryol.  Eur 244 

acuminatum     (Hedw.)  Kindb 249 

laetum     (Brid.)  Bryol.  Eur 246 

novae-angliae     (Sull.  &  Lesq.)  Jaeg.  &  Sauerb 254 

oxycladon     (Brid.)  Jaeg 246 

plumosum     (Sw.)  Bryol.  Eur 247 

populeum     (Hedw.)  Bryol.  Eur 247 

reflexum     (Stark.)  Bryol.  Eur 248 

rivulare    Bryol.  Eur 247 

rutabulum     (L.)  Bryol.  Eur 246 

salebrosum     (Hoffm.)  Bryol.  Eur 246 

Starkei     (Brid.)  Bryol.  Eur 248 

velutinum     (L.)  Bryol.  Eur 248 

Bryaceae 126 

Bryales 77 

Bryhnia    Kaur 254 

novae-angliae     (Sull.  &  Lesq.)  Grout 254 

Bryophytes 73 

Bryum     Dill 1 29 

argenteum     L 130 

bimum     Schreb 130 

caespiticium    L 130 

roseiim    Schreb 131 

silvery 130 

Buxbaumia     Hall 152 

aphylla    L 152 

BUXBAUMIACEAE I52 

Calliergon     (Sull.)  Kindb 216 

cordifolium     (Hedw.)  Kindb 216 

cuspidatum     Kindb 218 

giganteum     (Schimp.)  Kindb 217 

Camptothecium     Bryol.  Eur 243 

nitens     (Schreb.)  Schimp 243 

Catharinaea     Ehrh 156 

angustata     Brid 158 


INDEX  279 

Catharinaea  crispa     James 15Q 

uiuluUila     (L.)  Web.  &  JMohr 157 

Ceratodon     Brid 81 

purpureus     (L.)  Brid 81 

Cirriphyllum     Grout 250 

Boscii     (Schwaegr.)  Grout 250 

Cladonia  cristatella 4 

rangiferina 4 

CLmACIACEAE 1 79 

Climacium     Web.  &  Mohr 179 

americanum     Brid 180 

dendroides     (L.)  Web.  &  Mohr 180 

Kindbergii     (Ren.  &  Card.)  Grout 180 

Ctenidium     (Schimp.)  Mitt 221 

molluscum     (Hedw.)  Mitt 222 

Cynodontium  virens  var.  Wahlenbergii    Schimp 86 

Dichelyma    Myr 177 

capillaceum     (Dill.)  Schimp 177 

DiCRANACEAE 77 

Dicranella     Schimp 84 

heteromalla     (Dill.,  L.)  Schimp 85 

var.  orthocarpa     (Hedw.)  E.G.B 85 

Dicranum     Hedw 87 

Bergeri     Bland 92 

Bonjeani     De  Not 92 

Drummondii     C.  Miill 94 

flagellare     Hedw 89 

f  ulvum     Hook 89 

fuscescens     Turn 93 

longifolium     (Ehrh.)  Hedw 90 

majus    Smith 94 

montanum     Hedw 90 

Schradcri    Web.  &  Mohr 92 

scoparium     (L.)  Hedw 91 

undulatum     Ehrh 93 

viride     (Sull.  &  Lesq.)  Lindb 90 

Didymodon     Hedw 104 

rubellus     (HofTm.)  Bryol.  Eur 104 

Diphyscium  Joliosum    Mohr 150 


28o  INDEX 

Distichium    Bryol.  Eur 83 

capillaceum     (Sw.)  Bryol.  Eur 83 

Ditrichum     Timm 78 

pallidum     (Schrad.)  Hamp 80 

tortile     (Schrad.)  Lindb 79 

vaginans     (Sull.)  Hamp 79 

Drepanocladus     (C.  Miill.)  Roth 213 

fluitans     (Dill.)  Warnst < 215 

uncinatus     (Hedw.)  Warnst 214 

Drummondia    Hook 116 

claveliata    Hook 116 

Encalypta    Schreb 108 

ciliata     (Hedw.)  Hoffm 109 

contorta     (Wulf .)  Lindb 109 

streptocarpa    Hedw 109 

Entodon     C.  Mull 189 

cladorrhizans     (Hedw.)  C.  Miill 190 

seductrix     (Hedw.)  C.  Miill 190 

Entodontaceae 189 

Eurhynchium    Bryol.  Eur 252 

rusciforme     (Neck.)  Milde 252 

serrulatum     (Hedw.)  Kindb 256 

strigosum     (Hoffm.)  Bryol.  Eur 253 

var.  robustum    Roell 253 

Fissidens    Hedw 97 

adiantoides 97 

FiSSIDENTACEAE 97 

FONTINALACEAE 175 

Fontinalis     (Dill.)  L 175 

antipyretica  var.  gigantea    Sull 176 

novae-angliae 175 

Funaria     Schreb 123 

hygrometrica     (L.)  Sibth 123 

FUNARIACEAE 122 

Georgia    Ehrh 154 

pellucida     (L.)  Rabenh 154 

Georgiaceae 154 


INDEX  281 

Grimmia    Ehrh i 

apocarpa     (L.)  Hedw i 

var.  rivularis     (Brid.)  Web.  &  Mohr i 

conferta    F'unck i 

Grimmiaceae I 

Gymnostomum  curvirostre    Hedw i 

Hedwigia     Ehrh 172 

albicans     (Web.)  Lindb 172 

ciliata    Ehrh 172 

Hedwigiaceae 172 

Helodium     (Sull.)  Warnst 205 

lanatum     (Stroem)  Broth 206 

paludosum     (Sull.)  Aust 206 

Hepaticae 8 

Hepatics 6 

leafy 8 

Homaha     (Brid.)  Bryol.  Eur 186 

Jamesii    Schimp 187 

trichomanoides     (Schreb.)  Bryol.  Eur 187 

Homomallium     (Schimp.)  Loesk 210 

adnatum     (Hedw.)  Broth 210 

Hygroamblystegium    Loesk 211 

fluviatile     (Sw.)  Loesk 212 

irriguum     (Wils.)  Loesk 212 

Hygrohypnum     Lindb 218 

dilatatum    (Wils.)  Loesk 220 

eugyrium     Bryol.  Eur 220 

var.  Mackayi     (Schimp.)  Broth 220 

ochraceum     (Turn.)  Broth 220 

palustre     (Huds.)  Loesk 221 

Hylocomium     Br>^ol.  Eur 225 

brevirostre     (Ehrh.)  Bryol.  Eur 228 

proliferum     (L.)  Lindb 226 

splendens     (Hedw.)  Bryol.  Eur 226 

squarrosum     (L.)  Bryol.  Eur 224 

triquetrum     (L.)  Br>'ol.  Eur 224 

umbratum     (Ehrh.)  Bryol.  Eur 227 

Hymenostylium     Brid loi 

curvirostre     (Ehrh.)  Lindb loi 


282  INDEX 

Hypnaceae 208 

Hypnum     Dill 229 

aduncum    L 214 

Boscii    Schwaegr 250 

hrevlrostre     Ehrh 228 

cordifolium     Hedw 216 

crista-castrensis    L 231 

cupressiforme    L 235 

curvifolium    Hedw 234 

cuspidatum    L 218 

dilatatum    Wils 220 

eugyrium  var.  Mackayi    Schimp 220 

fluitans    L 215 

giganteum    Schimp 217 

Haldanianum    Grev 237 

imponens    Hedw 233 

micans    Sw 239 

molluscum    Hedw 222 

ochraceum    Turn 220 

palustre    Huds 221 

Patientiae.     Lindb 236 

reptile    Michx 233 

recurvans    Beauv 235 

Schreberi     Willd 229 

serrulatum    Hedw 256 

umhratum    Ehrh 227 

uncinatum    Hedw 214 

Illustrations,  Scale  of x 

Isopterygium    Mitt 238 

elegans     (Hook.)  Lindb 239 

micans     (Sw.)  Broth 239 

Miillerianum     (Schimp.)  Lindb 239 

turfaceum    Lindb 239 

Jungermanniales 6 

Leptobryum     (Bryol.  Eur.)  Wils 126 

pyriforme     (L.)  Wils 126 

Leskea    Hedw 201 

polycarpa 201 


INDEX  283 

Leskeaceae 195 

Leucobryaceae 95 

Leucobryum     Hamp 95 

glaucum     (L.)  Schimp 95 

Leucodon     Schwacgr 182 

brachypus    Brid 183 

julaceus    (L.)  Sull 183 

sciuroides     (L.)  Schwaegr 184 

Leucodontaceae 182 

Lichens 4 

Liverworts 6 

leafy 6 

Lycopodiaceae 5 

Lycopodium  lucidulum 5 

obscurum 5 

Marchantia 7 

Marchantiales 7 

Mniaceae 134 

Mnium     (Dill.)  L 134 

cinclidioides     (Blytt)  Hiiben 137 

cuspidatum     (L.)  Leyss 135 

hornum    L 136 

punctatum     (L.)  Hedw 137 

var.  elatum    Schimp 137 

sylvaticum    Lindb 135 

Moss,  Beard 5 

Florida 6 

Flowering 6 

Irish 5 

Long 6 

Red-tipped S 

Reindeer 5 

Scale 7 

Stag's-horn 6 

Tree 179 

White 95 

Mosses,  Acrocarpous 77 

Club 5 

Hair-cap 162 


284  INDEX 

Mosses,  Land 5 

Peat 73 

Pleurocarpous 172 

Scale 6 

Sea 5 

True 77 

Musci 73 

Myurella    Bryol.  Eur 196 

careyana    Sull 197 

gracilis     (Weinm.)  Lindb 197 

julacea    (Vill.)  Bryol.  Eur 197 

Neckera    Hedw 185 

pennata     (L.)  Hedw 186 

Neckeraceae 185 

Oncophorus    Brid 86 

Wahlenbergii    Brid 86 

Orthotrichaceae 116 

Orthotrichum    Hedw 117 

anomalum    Hedw 118 

Braunii    Bryol.  Eur 119 

sordidum 118 

strangulatum    Sull 119 

Oxyrhynchium     (Bryol.  Eur.)  Warnst 251 

rusciforme    (Neck.)  Warnst 252 

Philonotis    Brid 145 

fontana    (L.)  Brid 145 

Physcomitrium     (Brid.)  Fiirnr 122 

pyriforme 122 

turbinatum     (Michx.)  Brid 122 

Plagiopus    Brid 143 

Oederi     (Gunn.)  Limpr 143 

Plagiothecium    Bryol.  Eur 240 

denticulatum     (L.)  Bryol.  Eur 241 

elegans    (Hook.)  Sull 239 

Muhlenbeckii    Bryol.  Eur 242 

Miillerianum    Schimp 239 

striatellum    (Brid.)  Lindb 242 


INDEX  285 

Plagiothecium  sylvaticum     (Huds.)  Bryol.  Eur 241 

iurjaccum     Lindb 239 

Platygyrium     Bryol.  Eur 191 

rcpens     (Brid.)     Bryol.  Eur 191 

Plcurocarpi 172 

Pogonatum     Palis 160 

alpinurn  var.  arcticum     (S\v.)  Brid 167 

brachyphyllum     (Michx.)  Palis 16 r 

brevicaule     Brid 161 

capillare     (Rich.)  Brid 161 

te7iue    (Menz.)  E.G.B 161 

urnigerum     (L.)  Palis 161 

Pohlia    Hedw 127 

nutans     (Schreb.)  Lindb 127 

POLYTRICIIACEAE 1 56 

Polytrichum     Dill 162 

alpinurn  var.  arcticum     (Sw.)  Wahl 167 

commune     L 168 

var.  perigonialc     (Michx.)  Br>'ol.  Eur 168 

gracile    Dicks 170 

juniperinum     Willd 165 

ohioense    Ren .  &  Card 167 

piliferum     Schreb 164 

strictum     Banks 166 

Porotrichiim  alleghanicnse     (C.  Miill.)  Grout 187 

Pottia    Ehrh 106 

truncatula     (L.)  Lindb 106 

POTTIACEAE lOO 

Ptilium     (Suil.)  De  Not 230 

crista-castrensis     (L.)  De  Not 230 

Pylaisia     Bruch  &  Schimp 192 

Schimperi    Card 193 

Pyxidanthera 6 

Rhacomitrium    Brid 113 

aciculare     (L.)  Brid 113 

Rhodobryum     (Schimp.)  Hamp 131 

ontariense     (Kindb.)  Paris 131 

roscum     (Wcis)  Limpr 131 

Rhynchostegium    Bryol.  Eur 256 


286  INDEX 

Rhynchostegium  rusciforme    Bryol.  Eur 252 

serrulatum     (Hedw.)  Jaeg 256 

Rhytidiadelphus     (Lindb.)  Warnst 223 

squarrosus     (L.)  Warnst 224 

triquetms    (L.)  Warnst 224 

Saelania    Lindb 80 

glaucescens     (Hedw.)  Broth 81 

caesia    Lindb 81 

Scale  of  illustrations x 

Sematophyllum  recurvans    (Michx.)  E.G.B 235 

Sphagnaceae 73 

Sphagnales 73 

Sphagnum     (Dill.)  Ehrh 73 

cymbifolium 73 

Stereodon     (Brid.)  Mitt 231 

arcuatus    Lindb 236 

cupressiformis    (L.)  Brid 235 

var.  filiformis    Brid 235 

curvifolius     (Hedw.)  Brid 234 

Haldanianus     (Grev.)  Lindb 237 

imponens     (Hedw.)  Brid 233 

Lindhergii     (Mitt.)  Warnst 236 

recurvans     (Schwaegr.)  Broth 235 

reptilis     (Rich.)  Mitt 233 

Swartzia  montana    Lindb 83 

Tetraphis  pellucida    Hedw 154 

Thamnium    Bryol.  Eur 187 

alleghaniense     (C.  Miill.)  Bryol.  Eur 187 

Thelia    Sull 195 

asprella    Sull 196 

hirteUa    (Hedw.)  Sull • 196 

Lescurii    Sull 196 

Thuidium    Bryol.  Eur 202 

abietinum     (Dill.,  L.)  Bryol.  Eur 203 

Blandowii    (Web.  &  Mohr.)  Bryol.  Eur 206 

delicatulum     (Dill.,  L.)  Mitt 203 

paludosum     (Sull.)  Rau.  &  Herv 206 

recognitum    (L.,  Hedw.)  Lindb 203 


INDEX  287 

Tillandsia 6 

Timmia    Hedw 148 

cucullata    Michx 148 

mcgapolitana     Hcdw 148 

TiMMiACEAE 148 

Tortella     (C.  Miill.)  Limpr 102 

cacspitosa     (Schwacgr.)  Limpr 103 

tortuosa     (L.)  Limpr 103 

Tortula     Hcdw 107 

muralis     (L.)  Hedw 108 

papillosa     Wils 108 

Trematodon    Michx 77 

ambiguus     (Hedw.)  Hornsch 77 

Ulota    IMohr 119 

americana     (Palis.)  Limpr 120 

crispa     Brid 1 20 

Hutchinsiac     (Sm.)  Hammar 120 

Ludwigii     Brid 1 20 

phyllantha     Brid 1 20 

ulophylla     (Ehrh.)  Broth 120 

Usnea  barbata 4 

Webera     Ehrh 1 50 

nutans    Hedw 127 

sessilis     (Schmid.)  Lindb 150 

Weberaceae 1 50 

Weisia     Hedw 1 00 

viridula    (L.)  Hedw 100 


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